Strictly speaking: Meet this year's contestants
THIS year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants assess their chances ahead of their first performances…
Strictly Come Dancing is back with a brand new line-up, but who will sparkle on the dancefloor this year?
More than eight million viewers tuned in to watch the 12th series launch on September 7, which saw hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introduce the star contestants to their professional dancing partners. They’ve been practising hard ever since, but now it’s time to separate the wheat from the cha-cha-chaff as they perform for the first time on Friday.
So, whose moves will impress judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood? Catrin Carrucan spoke to this year’s sequin-clad celebrities to find out if they were dancing on air or frozen with fear…
Pixie Lott, 23, Pop star, Partnered with Trent Whiddon
“Some people have said that I’m the favourite but I really don’t like that – there’s too much pressure! I’ve never competed on a TV show so I’m doing it as a fun, new experience that’s so different from anything else I’ve done.”
Tim Wonnacott, 63, Bargain Hunt presenter, Partnered with Natalie Lowe
“My wife loves ballroom dancing but I’ve never been able to do it. It’s our 30th wedding anniversary this year, so the main reason I’m doing Strictly is so that I can learn and then I’ll finally be able to dance with her.”
I’ve never competed on a TV show so I’m doing it as a fun, new experience that’s so different from anything else I’ve done.
Frankie Bridge, 25, Singer in pop group The Saturdays Partnered with Kevin Clifton
“We dance in The Saturdays but it’s nothing like the dancing on Strictly. I get a bit of motion sickness when I’m being spun around so I might need to keep a bucket on the side of the dancefloor!”
Gregg Wallace, 49, MasterChef judge, Partnered with Aliona Vilani
“This is the toughest thing I have ever done, without a doubt. It is physically and mentally demanding. Craig Revel Horwood was on Celebrity MasterChef and he was absolutely terrified, so I hope he remembers that when it comes to judging and cuts me some slack.”
Simon Webbe, 36, Member of boy band Blue, Partnered with Kristina Rihanoff
“Strictly is THE show to watch so I’m so happy to be part of it. My daughter is a dancer and I really want to make her proud. I’m a pretty good mover but the Strictly dancers are in a league of their own.”
Thom Evans, 29, Rugby player and model, Partnered with Iveta Lukosiute
“I jumped at the opportunity to take part. Rugby players have done quite well on Strictly in the past so there’s quite a bit of pressure, but I’m up for the challenge and hope I make everyone proud.”
Alison Hammond, 39, This Morning showbiz reporter, Partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec
“I’m doing this to increase my fitness and also because I’m a huge fan. I’ve been begging to do it for years! I can’t wait to get started. Phil, Holly and the rest of the This Morning team are all behind me, cheering me on.”
Jake Wood, 42, EastEnders actor, Partnered with Janette Manrara
“I’m fine with all the Lycra and sequins. You know what you’re letting yourself in for when you sign on the dotted line, so bring it on!”
Jennifer Gibney, 50, Mrs Brown’s Boys actress, Partnered with Tristan MacManus
“Dancing is not what I do every day for a living, so I say just embrace it and have fun. I’ll just go as far as I can go. My husband Brendan (O’Carroll) is so excited for me – he absolutely loves Strictly.”
Steve Backshall, 41, Wildlife expert and TV presenter, Partnered with Ola Jordan
“If there was a choice between swimming with a great white shark or facing the Strictly judges, I would choose the shark, no contest!”
Caroline Flack, 34, TV Presenter, Partnered with Pasha Kovalev
“I am going through mixed emotions. I am getting myself geared up by watching old performances and that is making me excited, but then I remember what I have to do and I get nervous again.”
Mark Wright, 27, The Only Way Is Essex and I’m A Celebrity star, Partnered with Karen Hauer
“Strictly Come Dancing is an incredible show – the best on telly. I’ve never danced before or learned anything like this in my life. It’s a huge challenge. If I can conquer it, then I’ll be very happy.”
Sunetra Sarker, 41, Casualty actress, Partnered with Brendan Cole
“I didn’t want to do Strictly at all! I had to be really talked into it. I was quite happy living my life, but everyone around me said, ‘you have to do it!’ and now I’m glad that I said yes. It’s good to challenge yourself sometimes.”
Scott Mills, 40, Radio DJ, Partnered with Joanne Clifton
“I thought you’d get partnered with someone and they would then just drag you around and do all the hard work for you, but it turns out it’s insanely difficult and fast! I am so out of my comfort zone. I am terrified.”
Judy Murray, 55, Tennis coach and mother to Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, Partnered with Anton Du Beke
“I feel absolutely hyper because I’m such a huge fan of the show. When I told Andy I was taking part, his reaction was to say, ‘Oh my God, you’ll be terrible!’ Thanks very much, son!”
Strictly Come Dancing, Friday, 9PM, BBC1
