IT'S that time of year again.

Dig out your sequins, dust-off those glitter balls and slap on the fake tan because Strictly is back.

And once again a Southampton star is daring to step onto famous ballroom floor for the ultimate dance experience.

Tonight millions will tune in as city Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas finds out who his professional dance partner will be on the 13th series of the hit BBC One show.

Once partnered up the couples will go away for three weeks to start their training and learn their routines in their quest for the iconic Glitterball trophy.

Unlike other men who step into the Strictly bubble with a bit of trepidation, the 41-year-old, who lives in Netley, is ready to embrace all things glitter and sparkles.

Wriggling into his first Strictly outfit, sports commentator Iwan gleefully insisted he's "the campest straight bloke you've ever had on Strictly".

After trying out his first Strictly costume – a tight blue sequinned number – he revealed: “With my outfit, I keep saying: ‘More glitter! Tighter!’ Even my first show outfit is very tight and quite revealing. I love it.

“I hope I’m allowed to go topless,” he continued. “I’ve asked. Week one it’s a bit tight, week two the zip will be coming down, week three it’ll be off. If I’m here for week three.

“I think I’m the only one who’s gone to the wardrobe to complain that my clothes aren’t tight enough.”

Ahead of finding out who his professional partner is, the Commonwealth athlete, added: “I’m competitive, I want to do well in anything I do, but I think – it’s important which partner I get.

“I need someone who’s going to be very understanding and patient.

"My concentration levels aren’t great. I’m a bit of a practical joker, so I need someone who’s going to have a bit of fun with it.”

Last year's Southampton Strictly hopeful, Radio One DJ Scott Mills faced a barrage of harsh comments from the judges, including Craig Revel Horwood telling him "you're the exception to the rule that anyone can dance".

So Iwan, who regularly runs the Netley Abbey parkrun event, is hoping for a more positive reception to his moves in his quest to win the Glitterball trophy.

“I’m quite a sensitive bloke, if I’m honest with you,” he admitted. “I’ll probably be a bit upset if I’m told I’m rubbish. But I won’t bite back, I’ll just have to take it on the chin.”

To find out who Iwan's partner will be watch BBC One at 7.15pm.