Denise Van Outen has become the latest celebrity to be linked to the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The TV presenter, singer and mum of one is reportedly on the lineup of the BBC dance show which is due to launch next Saturday night, joining a whole host of Olympic stars, as well as fellow actresses Charlie Brooks and Jerry Hall.

A source told The Sun that bosses think the blonde beauty will be a sure fire hit with the public, and with all her stage and musical experience, she’ll be a natural on the dancefloor too.

Van Outen has played Roxie Hart in the hit West End production of Chicago in 2001, in 2003, she returned to the London stage in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s one-woman show Tell Me On A Sunday, which he reworked for her. She took over the role of Paulette Bunafonte from Jill Halfpenny in the West End production of Legally Blonde on 25 October 2010.

The insider said: “Denise has loads of rhythm and she’s superfit so she should be a great contestant.

“She’s never done ballroom before but she’s certainly got the raw materials to wow on the dance floor.”

The experience will be a totally new one for the star, as having judged on a number of Andrew Lloyd Webber led talent shows on the Beeb, she’s more used to passing judgement on contestants than having to strive for perfect marks herself.

The source added: “Having been on the other side of the table, Denise will really want to impress the judges.”

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Strictly presenter Bruce Forsyth will be allowed to take a mid series break from the show, to allow him a chance to recuperate and recharge his batteries.

The 84 year old star will be allowed to one Saturday special in the middle of the new series and will take a weekend off work completely so that he can get some rest.

The legendary presenter has missed one show under doctors’ orders three years ago, when he came down with a bad flu, but this will be the first time he has had a planned weekend off in the ten year history of the series.

A source said:

“Brucie wants a weekend to relax and recuperate and that’s fine. It’s a gruelling schedule for a man half his age. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will front it and do a great job.”

It is expected that the full Strictly lineup will be confirmed later this week, but we have compiled a list of all the stars strongly suspected to be taking part. It includes quite a few Olympians, along with Westlife star Nicky Byrne, actress and model Jerry Hall and Eastenders actress Charlie Brooks. Check out the list here.

Are you excited? Do you think Denise is a good addition? Leave your comments below….