Basingstoke-born James Bye has been paired with Amy Dowden in Friday night's launch event of Strictly Come Dancing 2022.

The Eastenders actor was among the 15 celebrity contestants who discovered their professional partners in the 20th series of the BBC One show.

Bye, who was born in Basingstoke and is best known for playing fan favourite Martin Fowler, will be training and performing with Dowden in the series.

READ MORE: EastEnders actor James Bye announced as Strictly Come Dancing contestant

The 38-year-old said he was “so relieved” about as she made him feel at ease about the series ahead.

Basingstoke Gazette: James Bye and Amy Dowden, who will dance together in Strictly Come Dancing 2022. James Bye and Amy Dowden, who will dance together in Strictly Come Dancing 2022. (Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)

Bye went to The Hurst School, previously Hurst Community College, in Baughurst before later attending Queen Mary's College.

After the news about his participating in the series was announced, Bye said in a statement: “I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact, my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing, but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.

“There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it’s truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I’d love to do everyone proud.”

Bye is joining a line-up that includes singer Fleur East, Ted Lasso star Ellie Taylor, Bros singer Matt Goss, Kiss radio host Tyler West, Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh and more.

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The last series of Strictly was won by Rose Ayling-Ellis with professional partner Giovanni Pernice.

Pernice is paired with BBC Radio 2’s Richie Anderson this season – one of the two same-sex couples competing this year.

Comedian and actor Jayde Adams and professional Karen Hauer are the other same-sex couple in the series.