Strictly Come Dancing's Ross King' real name unveiled - and why it was changed

Ross King is best known as the informed showbiz commentator on ITV’s Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, where he usually reports the latest news via video link from Los Angeles. The Scottish commentator resides in Hollywood and has taken to the red carpet where he interviews some of the biggest names in the industry, including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Catherine Zeta Jones and Renée Zellweger.

In the 2018 New Year Honours, Ross was even appointed an MBE for services to broadcasting, the arts and charity. Alongside his remarkable humour, fans will get to see a new side of the reporter as he was named as the 13th celebrity returning to screens later this year to take part in the BBC’s star-studded competition series, Strictly Come Dancing. However, as well as this exciting discovery, it was also revealed that Ross was actually born, Derek Ross King.

The showbiz correspondent was first questioned about his name in 2018, during an emotional moment outside of Holyrood Palace.

At the time, Ross had gone live via video link from Edinburgh, Scotland, after being awarded his MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth, and opened up about his feelings while talking to Lorraine.

The 63-year-old told his co-star, "It's really surreal. You know exactly what it is like,” before admitting: “It's just so many different emotions....I choke up really easily.”

After sharing her own experience about receiving an OBE in 2012, Lorraine then asked why it was a “Derek King” who was receiving his MBE today.

Regaining his composure, Ross explained that he goes by his middle name because Derek is the name his parents used when he was “in trouble.”

After his place in the Strictly line-up was revealed, the TV star said that starring in the series is “a dream come true.”

Ross shared: “From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom - it’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show.

“I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!

“Let’s give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: ‘You’ll never know till you give it a go!’ he concluded.