YOUTUBE star Zoella is being tipped as one of the new Strictly Come Dancing contestants.

The BBC is said to have been looking for a social media star to draw in a younger audience for the programme – and there is speculation that Zoe Sugg, who lives in Hassocks, could be in the new line-up.

Zoella’s brother Joe Sugg competed in the programme in 2018, while vlogger Saffron Barker, who lives in Woodingdean, took part last year.

If chosen, Zoella would join a host of fellow celebrities limbering up for the 2020 series.

Comedian Bill Bailey was the seventh star to be announced. He spoke to previous contestant and Ditchling resident Zoe Ball on her Radio 2 Breakfast Show, saying comics “love a bit of an adrenaline rush”.

He told Zoe – who was a contestant in the third series, and in 2011 replaced Claudia Winkleman as host of the BBC Two spin-off show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two – that his dance history was a “little patchy.”

He said: “I haven’t been to stage school and learnt to dance. I haven’t lived for the dance... I’m not really Lord of the Dance, I’m caretaker of the dance. It’s going to be quite a challenge but then that’s what this is about, taking on a new skill.”

He joked that the Hokey Cokey was one of his favourite dances and that he would be trying to introduce it to Strictly this year.

Other contestants include Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, who is “over the moon” to have a second chance after tearing a ligament before filming last year’s series.

EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who plays Tiffany Butcher-Baker, was unveiled as the 10th contestant. Laing, Smith and Bailey will be joined by boxer Nicola Adams, actress Caroline Quentin, TV presenter JJ Chalmers, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, The Wanted singer Max George, DJ Clara Amfo and former NFL player Jason Bell.

Adams will compete on Strictly as part of the show’s first same-sex couple when the show returns in the autumn. The former professional boxer and Olympian retired in 2019 with an undefeated record. She was the first openly LGBT person to win an Olympic boxing gold medal after her win in 2012.

As well as Joe Sugg, Saffron Barker, and Zoe Ball, there have been a number of Strictly stars with links to Sussex.

Other previous contestants include comedian Seann Walsh, who grew up in Brighton, BBC presenter Katie Derham, who lives near Haywards Heath, and newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, who lives on a farm near Barcombe and was the show’s first winner in 2004.

Zoella and the BBC have been contacted for comment about speculation she is taking part.