It feels like ages since the previous series graced our screens and I’m sooooo glad it’s back tonight!
It’s such a popular show and has got so many people dancing – including me, as it inspired my to start a Strictly DanceFit class to teach the basic steps to the favourite dances while getting fit and having fun.
This is the link to the BBC’s dedicated Strictly pages with all of the latest details about the show.
Here’s this years celebrity line-up (in alphabetical order!):
Colin Salmon starred in Prime Suspect and Doctor Who as well as three James Bond films where he played the character Charles Robinson.
Dani Harmer is the star of a the very popular ‘Tracey Beaker ‘ from CBBC .
Denise Van Outen is a household favourite thanks to her time on ‘The Big Breakfast’ through her roles on Broadway and the West End.
Fern Britton is best known for her partnership with Philip Schofield on ‘This Morning’.
Jerry Hall with her famously golden locks and model figure should feel very comfortable in front of the cameras.
Johnny Ball is a tv legend who brough science and maths to life for so many people and I can’t wait to see him in action.
Kimberley Walsh should feel right at home with the glitz and glamour following her time with Girls Aloud.
Lisa Riley shot to fame as Mandy Dingle in ‘Emerdale’ but has recently been in a play on the West End about pole dancing.
Louis Smith clearly wasn’t satisfied with his two Olympic medals and wants the glitterball trophy next ;-).
Michael Vaughan has a hard act to follow in fellow cricketers Mark Ramprakash (2006 winner) and Darren Gough (2005 series and Christmas Special winner).
Nicky Byrne has performed with Westlife in front of thousands, but dancing is a different world.
Richard Arnold is Mr Showbiz and there isn’t much he doesn’t know about TV.
Sid Owen played Ricky in Eastenders for 25 years so is accustomed to drama.
Victoria Pendleton has nine world titles for cycling and won two Olympic medals at London 2012.
Here are the professional dancers:
Aliona Vilani was last years winner when she was partnered with Harry Judd.
Anton du Beke. It wouldn’t be Strictly without him.
Artem Chigvintsev was the winner in 2011 with Kara Tointon.
Brendan Cole won the very first series with Natasha Kaplinsky and is famous for standing up to the judges.
Erin Boag is a fabulous dancer and has been with the series since the very beginning.
Flavia Cacace was paired with Russell Grant last year and showed the nation what fun dancing is and should be.
James Jordancan be a bit cheeky at times, but honest with it.
Karen Hauer is the newest member of the team and I’m looking forward to seeing her dance.
Kristina Rihanoff was John Sergeant and Jason Donovan’s partner in previous series’ proving that anyone and everyone can dance.
Natalie Lowe was very lucky to have been partnered with Ricky Whittle in 2009 and finished in 2nd place.
Ola Jordan won in 2009 with Chris Hollins, quite possibly the smallest partnership on record.
Pasha Kovalev joined in 2011 and made it to the final so there are high hopes for 2012.
Robin Windsor is a dancer after my own heart who loves performing and teaching.
Vincent Simone is the shortest male dancer but makes up for it with his outrageous flirting.
And finally the judges:
Len Goodman returns as the chair of the panel and with his fair and constructive comments will keep the other two fellas under control.
Bruno Tonioli gets so carried away, you can see his passion for dance and it’s infectious.
Craig Revel Horwood gets a bit of a bad press but he is nearly always right in his comments (in my opinion) just maybe could be a bit ‘fluffier’ in how he says things.
Darcey Bussell is new to the judging panel and (as a fellow fan of ballet) I think she’ll be a great addition to the team.
Only 7 hours and 30 minutes to wait until it starts!!!!!
I love.... 