Strictly star: Gavin Henson Pic: © Rex Features
The line-up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing has been announced. The list includes names from film, TV, sport, music and politics.
The celebrity list includes former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams. Williams has been hinting at her involvement in the show using her Twitter account over the past few weeks.
From the world of sport, Strictly bosses have lured rugby player and Charlotte Church’s ex Gavin Henson and former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Hunky Henson is already a fan of the ballroom pros’ fake tan, so he should find that part easy enough. At 6’1”, 60-year-old Peter Shilton will tower over most of the professional females. It’s difficult to forget fellow goalie Peter Schmeichel’s time on Strictly - will competitive ‘Shilts’ beat his record and make it further than week seven?
The more mature ladies will be represented this year by ex-Tory MP Ann Widdecombe, The Good Life and Rosemary and Thyme actress Felicity Kendal and actress, comedienne and clinical psychologist Pamela Stephenson. 62-year-old Ann retired from politics at the last general election. 1981’s ‘Rear of the Year’ Felicity Kendal is 63 and at just five feet tall will be one of the smallest contestants in this year’s competition. 60-year-old Not the Nine O’Clock News star Pamela Stephenson is also Mrs Billy Connolly and Strictly bosses are sure to be hoping to see him in the audience.
Two former child stars taking to the dancefloor are Holby City and Emmerdale actress Patsy Kensit and former Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien. Patsy Kensit started off by starring in TV adverts and her career has included music, TV and film work. Her personal life has seen marriages to pop stars Dan Donovan, Jim Kerr and Liam Gallagher. Tina O’Brien left the Corrie cobbles and her role as Sarah-Louise Platt in 2007. She’s since had baby Scarlett and starred in Waterloo Road.
DJ and music producer Goldie is a veteran of the BBC reality show Maestro, in which he was runner up. During the contest, Goldie was taught to conduct an orchestra, so he has no excuse for missing the beat.
Paul Daniels is a surprise addition to the list of celebrities. The 72-year-old magician will appear without wife and glamorous assistant “the lovely” Debbie McGee. Debbie is a trained dancer so should be able to pass on plenty of hints and tips.
An EastEnders trio will be taking to the dancefloor, made up of Scott Maslen (Jack Branning), Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann) and Jimi Mistry (Dr Fred Fonseca). 39-year-old Scott Maslen, who has also had a starring role in The Bill, is sure to be a hit with the ladies having twice won the ‘Sexiest Male’ award at the British Soap Awards. 27-year-old Kara Tointon left EastEnders last year and has since appeared in panto as well as taking part in (and winning) the Sport Relief Strictly Come Dancing special with former champion Mark Ramprakash. House music fan Jimi Mistry left the soap in 2000 and has since appeared in a number of Hollywood movies.
Ex-Blue Peter and Countryfile presenter Matt Baker has proved that he has no fear. How will he cope under the pressure of Strictly? The former junior British gymnast is clearly extremely fit and has already taken part in BBC reality horseriding contest Only Fools on Horses for Sport Relief.
In a change to the format of previous years, the stars will meet their professional dance partners during a recording of the Strictly launch show tonight (Wednesday 8th September). The show will air on BBC1 on Saturday 11th September and the contest kicks off live on Friday 1st October.
