Former home secretary Jacqui Smith has been confirmed as the 12th and final contestant on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC has gradually been releasing the names in the lineup over the last few days, with 57-year-old Smith - home secretary under Gordon Brown between 2007 and 2009 - the final piece of the puzzle.

"I was speechless with excitement at being asked to join Strictly - and that's very rare for me," said Smith, who quit frontline politics after losing her seat at the 2010 general election.

"Fifty years ago, I got a bronze medal for Scottish Highland Dancing and it feels about time to return to dancing.

"I couldn't be in better hands with the Strictly team and I'm going to throw myself into the challenge. Watch out!"

Smith joins a lineup that also includes comedians Caroline Quentin and Bill Bailey, singers Max George and HRVY, boxer Nicola Adams, Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, ex-NFL star Jason Bell, EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing, Good Morning Britain's Ranvir Singh and ex-Ryal Marine JJ Chalmers.

The new series begins on BBC One in late October.