Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams has reportedly signed up to be part of Strictly Come Dancing's first ever female pairing.

The 37-year-old, who is bisexual, triumphed for Team GB in the flyweight category at the London 2012 Olympics, successfully defending her title four years later in Rio de Janeiro.

For years Strictly has faced calls to divert from the norm of male and female dance partnerships on the show, and according to The Mirror, Adams will be paired with a female pro when the show starts in October.

"It's such an exciting step for us to be taking, and many feel it is well overdue," a show source told the newspaper.

"It's been talked about for so long, to see it finally happen feels truly ground-breaking and quite emotional."

Yesterday the first three contestants were confirmed as comedian Caroline Quentin, former NFL star Jason Bell and The Wanted singer Max George.