But last night bosses said they had finally persuaded the floppy-haired  midfielder to sign for a rumoured £50,000.

He is expected to join boxer Audley Harrison as the final two male stars on  the series, which begins on Saturday.

They will dance alongside 12 other celebrities revealed by TV Biz on  Saturday.

An insider said: "Robbie will be great. He has lots of energy and doesn't hold  back when anyone gives him criticism.

"He had to think twice about doing it as he's quite vain. The idea of prancing  around in sequined tops and doing the splits is at odds with his macho  image. But now he can't wait to get started."

The outspoken Welshman played in the Premiership for Leicester, Birmingham and  Blackburn before joining Championship side Derby for £1.5million in 2008.

He was once labelled the dirtiest player in the Premiership after getting a  record 89 yellow cards — but was only ever sent off twice. The married  dad-of-two quit the game at the end of last season and now works as a  presenter on Radio Five Live.

The other sportsman in the line-up — heavyweight boxer Audley  Harrison, 39 — is set to make a BIG impression.

The European champ stands 6ft 5in tall and weighs more than 18 stone. At the  2000 Sydney Olympics he became the first British superheavyweight boxer to  win gold.

The pair will be lining up alongside

former politician Edwina Currie. 

astrologer Russell Grant,

former Neighbours stars Jason Donovan and Holly  Valance,

impressionist Rory Bremner .

The One Show host Alex Jones.

Sven Goran Eriksson's ex Nancy Dell'Olio,

McFly's  Harry Judd,

Sixties star Lulu,

Daybreak presenter Dan Lobb,

former EastEnder  Anita Dobson .

Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey.

The BBC has high hopes for this year's line-up and is introducing some 3D  footage to the show for the first time.

It will officially confirm the contestants on The One Show on Tuesday night.

The celebrities will meet their partners on Saturday's show before the full  series begins on Friday September 30.