STRICTLY Come Dancing's latest recruit has a new career to escape the hectic nature of TV filming schedules.

The EastEnders legend's position in the line-up to bid for the BBC's Glitter Ball trophy was revealed earlier today.

Nigel Harman, 49 – who played the soap's Dennis Rickman – was officially confirmed on today's edition of Lorraine, saying: "I'm excited to be out and proud now."

He told Christine Lampard: "I think I'm realising since I said yes to it, in my my mind, I think I'm a better dancer than my body tells me."

His Casualty co-star and former Strictly star Charles Venn had some sage advice for him, too.

Nigel said: "He took me aside and got really serious and said 'you've got to do cardio'.

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"He said 'there's nothing else to do than just be yourself'."

While he can be seen on BBC soap Casualty playing doctor Max Christie, Nigel has also now re-trained for a career as a meditation teacher.

He advises clients on the benefits of the practise and how to "integrate meditation into your daily life."

In his website introduction Nigel states: "I started meditating over a decade ago and I’ve felt the positive impact it has had on my life and on those around me.

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"Wherever in life we are, each of us will have periods where we feel we are out of step with ourselves, treading water, or even adrift.

"Taking a moment to Pause, Relax, Open, reconnects us with ourselves and the life that is here, right now, all around us.

"That’s why I want to help you get started or deepen your practice by sharing practical tips, techniques, and advice."

He currently runs sessions on ZOOM.

Meanwhile the TV favourite, whose birthday is tomorrow, is feeling a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of taking to the dancefloor.

He added: "I'm amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it's my turn…..gulp!"

The heartthrob played Dennis Rickman on Albert Square, who married his adopted sister Sharon, played by Letitia Dean. 

Nigel's EastEnders character was killed off in 2006 when he was stabbed on New Year's Day and died in Sharon's arms.

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He went on to star in Downton Abbey as evil valet Mr Green. The character was at the centre of a violent rape scene involving lady's maid Anna, played by Joanne Froggatt.

The actor has had limited dance experience in his career having performed in 2014's I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical.

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