Jacqui Smith

We know that politicians have a habit of becoming Strictly legends, so we can’t wait to see if Jacqui lands a place in our hall of fame!

Her political ambitions began in Malvern, where she became the first person in her school to go to Oxford University, studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. From there she headed to the House of Commons, assisting with admin duties before deciding to qualify as a teacher. She taught at local colleges back home for 11 years, returning to politics in 1997 and standing as an MP in Redditch.

After just two years in parliament, Jacqui became a Minister, going on to hold roles in the departments of Education, Health, Industry and Equality across her 10 years in government, and famously becoming the country’s first ever female Home Secretary in 2007.

But when she lost her seat in 2010, Jacqui bid politics farewell to become the Chair of the NHS Trust in Birmingham and Children’s Trust in Sandwell. She also chairs the Jo Cox Foundation in memory of her close friend and fellow MP, is a leader of the Labour Women’s Network and hosts award-winning political podcast For The Many.

Now she’s joining our 2020 family, it’s no surprise that she’s looking to past politicians for inspiration.

“My favourite Strictly contestant of all time has been to be Ed Balls,” she said. “He demonstrated that politicians can have fun and make a success of Strictly so I'm hoping to follow in his footsteps.”

They may be big dancing shoes to fill, but we’re sure Jacqui’s up for the ch-cha-challenge!