Fern Britton was tipped today to be gracing the dancefloor in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Former EastEnder Ricky Groves, known for playing car mechanic Garry Hobbs in the soap, has also reportedly agreed to take part, as well as Hollyoaks' Ricky Whittle.

Performance: Fern Britton's Singing In The Rain routine for Comic Relief

Britton, who previously impressed viewers with a Singing In The Rain routine for Comic Relief, has been offered Kiwi hunk Brendan Cole as her dance partner, The Mirror said.

The former This Morning presenter, 52, has undergone a dramatic weight loss and found herself in the middle of a storm when it was revealed she had had a gastric band fitted.

Now she is said to be in talks to make her TV comeback on the Strictly dancefloor.

She would be a strong bet to pull in the viewers as the BBC battles it out for ratings with ITV.

The X Factor will be shown on Saturdays and Sundays on ITV during the live stages this year, while the BBC has dropped its Sunday show in favour of an extended Saturday night programme.

EastEnd to dancefloor? Ricky Groves, aka car mechanic Gary Hobbs

The BBC is not currently confirming or denying any names of contestants.

A spokeswoman said plenty of names are yet to be revealed.

Other celebrities thought to be lined up include Loose Women panellist Lynda Bellingham, 61.

A furore erupted over the departure of 66-year-old choreographer Arlene Phillips, who was axed from the BBC1 celebrity talent show after six series.

Younger stars Darcey Bussell, 40, and 30-year-old singer Alesha Dixon, who won the competition in 2007, are being brought on board, while Phillips will be The One Show's Strictly Come Dancing expert. The BBC has denied claims of ageism.

The corporation said previously that a decision to change dancer Karen Hardy, 39, had "absolutely nothing to do with age".

Ronnie Wood's estranged wife Jo Wood, 53, has also been rumoured to be another possible contestant.