The rumour is that the official line-up is being announced on Friday
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The rumour is that the official line-up is being announced on Friday
THE Beeb are handing ITV1’s Daybreak a major publicity boost – by signing their showbiz editor Richard Arnold as a contestant for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Strictly turned to the breakfast show favourite at the eleventh hour after looking at the line-up for their tenth series, which starts tomorrow week, and deciding it needed more FUN.
They hope Arnold — known as Soapy Dick thanks to a former soap slot on GMTV — will win over viewers with his camp humour.
A source said: “He will be our Strictly Clown this year and he is appy to play that role.
“Russell Grant was a huge hit on Strictly last year and we are hoping that Richard will attract the same fans. He is hilarious and during meetings had everyone in stitches with his camp jokes.
“He is a great signing for us — we’re delighted to have him on board.”
The source added: “Richard is well up for the show and Strictly’s producers hope he will promote it to viewers of Daybreak.
“But it will mean they also end up promoting Daybreak on Strictly — which has far more viewers.”
It is a boost Daybreak could really use because it is still struggling in the ratings despite its relaunch on Monday.
Meanwhile, CBBC actress Dani Harmer will also be taking to the dancefloor after a musical she was starring in was axed.
Touring production Disco Inferno was cancelled for financial reasons, after an investor withdrew.
Strictly bosses snapped up Dani — best known for playing kids’ favourite Tracy Beaker — in a bid to appeal to viewers with young children.
A spokesman for Dani last night denied claims by Disco Inferno’s producers that she quit to take part in the BBC1 contest.
Other contestants signed up for the new run of Strictly include two Team GB medal heroes from the London 2012 Olympics — cyclist Victoria Pendleton and gymnast Louis Smith.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz25laBBGKv
They way the BBC are drip-feeding the contestants out to us this year is infuriating! Get on with it for heaven's sake!
Former soap stars Sid Owen and Lisa Riley are the latest stars lined up for Strictly Come Dancing, according to clues on the show's official website.
Children's TV star Dani Harmer, Westlife's Nicky Byrne, Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and Daybreak's Richard Arnold are the four celebrities officially confirmed for the series so far.
The BBC Strictly site has released clues about other contestants, which hint heavily at Riley and Owen's involvement.
One clue reads "This guy is onto a good thing going", referencing EastEnders actor Owen's reggae pop hit 'Good Thing Going', which reached No.14 in 2000.
Another clue says "Now she's in the Strictly frame. Can this lady stand out from the pack?", alluding to Riley's work on You've Been Framed and Emmerdale.
Strictly kicks off its tenth series on Saturday, September 15 at 6.30pm on BBC One.
James Bond actor Colin Salmon is the latest signing for Strictly Come Dancing, Digital Spy has learned.
Salmon, who appeared in Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day, is one of the final names to be lined up for the ballroom dance show.
The Hollywood actor, who was once voted in People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World list, has also appeared as One in the Resident Evil film franchise.
His TV credits include Spooks, Strike Back and Law & Order UK.
Salmon will join a lineup featuring Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh, Westlife's Nicky Byrne, TV presenter Richard Arnold and CBBC star Dani Harmer.
Strictly Come Dancing launches on Saturday, September 15 at 6.30pm on BBC One.
The Professional Dancers
Anton Du Beke
Strictly favourite Anton specialises in ballroom dancing and has been performing since the age of 14. As a seasoned pro, Anton has appeared in every series of Strictly, although he is yet to lift the glitter-ball trophy. His professional partner is fellow Strictly dancer Erin Boag.
Aliona Vilani
Aliona is stiff competition after lifting the glitterball trophy last year with contestant Harry Judd. She began ballroom dancing in Russia at the age of 11 and as an all-round contender she specialises in Ten Dance as well as Salsa, Hip-Hop and Jazz. In 2001, Aliona was selected by the National Dance Congress to compete against the World Teams for the US and in 2008, became part of the Dancing With The Stars Tour. Aliona’s professional partner is Strictly dancer Pasha Kovalev.
Artem Chigvintsev
Russian-born Artem is a Latin specialist and lifted the glitter-ball with partner Kara Tointon in series eight. Dancing has taken Artem all over the world and he has worked on various dance projects, including So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars. This series, Artem’s professional partner Karen Hauer joins him for the first time on Strictly.
Brendan Cole
Kiwi Brendan specialises in all things Latin American and began dancing at the age of six, going on to become the New Zealand and Asian Open Professional Champion. Brendan was the first celebrity to lift the glitterball trophy in series one with Natasha Kaplinsky and has also been a judge on the New Zealand version of Strictly.
Erin Boag
Kiwi Erin is a strong competitor and specialises in ballroom, alongside her professional partner and fellow Strictly dancer, Anton du Beke. Having danced together since 1997, turning professional in 2002, the pair have graced the series from the very beginning.
Flavia Cacace
Ten Dance and Argentine Tango specialist Flavia was born in southern Italy and has been dancing with her current professional partner and Strictly dancer Vincent Simone, for the past 14 years. Most recently they have performed together in the sell-out UK tour of Midnight Tango.
James Jordon
Straight-talking James is a Latin American specialist who started dancing at the age of 11. Together with his professional partner, wife and fellow Strictly professional dancer, Ola Jordan, James has competed in many competitions and they have also both taught Latin American dance in Hong Kong. After taking a break, the duo returned to competitive dancing in 2005, becoming Latin American Closed British Finalists.
Karen Hauer
Venezualan born newcomer Karen joins her professional partner Strictly’s Artem Chigvintsev for the first time this series. After graduating from 'Fame School' La Guardia High School, she soon became two times United States Amateur American Rhythm National Champion, Professional World Mambo Champion and United States Professional Rising Star Champion. After appearing in So You Think You Can Dance in 2009 she joined Burn The Floor on Broadway as a principal dancer until 2012.
Kristina Rihanoff
Siberian-born Kristina is passionate about Latin and Ballroom. Dancing from a young age, Kristina has won a multitude of competitions and began teaching dance at the age of 16. As well as Strictly, she has been involved with Dancing with the Stars in the US and assisted with choreography for So You Think You Can Dance.
Natalie Lowe
Ballroom specialist Natalie started dancing in Australia at the age of the three. She has appeared in seven series of Dancing With The Stars in Australia and has an impressive track record on the show, winning the first series and coming second in three others. Natalie narrowly missed out on lifting the glitterball trophy in 2009 after coming running up with Ricky Whittle after Len described them as 'maybe the most formidable couple Strictly had ever seen.’
Ola Jordan
Ola began dancing at the age of 12 and by the age of 17, was placed in the Top 12 of the World Championships. She danced to victory in the seventh series of Strictly with partner Chris Hollins and is married to her professional partner and Strictly professional James Jordan.
Pasha Kovalev
Siberian-born Pasha returns this year with his passion for all things Ballroom and Latin, after coming runner up with Chelsee Healey last year. Since his early dancing days, Pasha has gone from strength to strength; he was a finalist on the US version of So You Think You Can Dance and has also performed on Broadway and in the West End in Burn the Floor. Pasha’s professional partner is fellow Strictly dancer Alioni Vilani.
Robin Windsor
Having started dancing at the age of three, Robin had a successful youth career until the age of 20. He followed this with a major world-wide touring dance show, performing on Broadway and the West End in shows such as Burn the Floor and Floorplay.
Vincent Simone
Italian Vincent joined the dancing scene aged seven and has strong dance roots, as his parents are professional Ballroom and Latin dance teachers. He has performed worldwide and has achieved many titles alongside his professional partner and Strictly dancer, Flavia Cacace, including Professional Ten Dance (the five International Ballroom dances and the five International Latin Dances) and World Argentine Tango Show Champions. Most recently, Vincent and Flavia have performed in the sell-out UK tour of Midnight Tango.
The Women
Dani Harmer
Dani Harmer is best known for playing Tracy Beaker in the hit CBBC series The Story of Tracy Beaker. She played the character for over 10 years and picked up a children’s BAFTA award for Best Drama and a nomination for an RTE award for Best Drama. She has most recently starred in her own series Dani’s House. Determined, fun-loving and feisty she’ll give her all to the competition and is likely to be a bit of a handful for the judges!
What are you most looking forward to about taking part in Strictly?
The thing I'm most looking forward to is learning all the different styles of dance. I've always wanted to learn how to tango, and now I might get the chance! I'm also really looking forward to finding out who my partner is, I've never had to dancewith anyone else before so it will certainly be a challenge.
Do you think appearing on Let’s Dance for Sport Relief earlier this year will help your nerves going in to Strictly?
It will definitely help. Let's Dance for Sport Relief is like the perfect warm up to Strictly. I know what it feels like to have to learn a routine in a short space of time, and I know what it feels like to have to dance in front of millions of people. That will help, but I'm still incredibly nervous about stepping onto the ballroom floor.
The sparkly Strictly costumes couldn’t be further from your look as Tracy Beaker – are you looking forward to embracing the spray tan and sequins?
I'm quite a tomboy so I wouldn't say I'm overly excited about the spray tan but I will embrace it and enjoy it. As for the sequins and glitter – I'm a girl, I can't wait!
Denise Van Outen
Queen of Essex Denise Van Outen is a star of stage and screen. After beginning her career on The Big Breakfast she has since gone on to command lead roles in the West End and Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and starred in Legally Blonde The Musical. Sexy and self-assured, Denise is sure to set sparks flying on the dancefloor.
What are you most looking forward to about Strictly?
There’s so many things! Firstly of course all the costumes, I’m sure every woman taking part says that. But mainly the dancing, because when I was a kid I just loved to dance, and I can’t wait to just get into it, and be feeling really fit andhealthy. I’m really looking forward to the group numbers the most, all dancing together and having a laugh.
What made you decide to take part in Strictly this year?
Most years I’ve tried to watch, but often been in shows, so I’ve never been able to do it myself. Last year I was in Legally Blonde, and I remember being sat in my dressing room watching Holly Valance doing her Chicago number, and I just thought ‘I want to be doing that!’ I knew that when the chance came that I really wanted to do it, and this year finally I can!
How would you rate your dancing skills out of 10?
Well I can move, I can do the basics, I’ve got the basic dancing skills thanks to theatre school. But this is all really new to me, and I haven’t danced properly for about 15 years. When I say properly, I mean in a stage show when I’ve had to dance. I’d give myself maybe a four out of ten. I’m most nervous about the fact that people will think I can dance already because of my stage career, but I’ve actually never had a true dancing role. Even in Chicago, Roxy is not the dancing role. She is sitting on a chair most of the time, and not in any of the group numbers. That’s what I worry about the most, people thinking I’m a dancer when I’m not. I’m hoping that after this I might be able to be cast in more dancing roles on the stage, that’s my hope.
Fern Britton
TV presenter and household name Fern Britton is no stranger to the dancefloor after she dazzled the judges in 2010 on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. Best known for her presenting roles on This Morning and Ready, Steady, Cook, Fern is also a published author and her autobiography remained in the top ten best sellers list for twelve weeks. With a real love of all things ballroom, Fern may prove stiff competition on the dancefloor this series.
What are you looking for from your professional dance partner?
Well all of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing are just that – professional. I have the utmost respect for all of them. I think I would choose someone kind, someone patient, but someone who will work me hard. I will give my absolute all if my professional partner is encouraging.
Are you looking forward to entering the full glitzy and glamorous world of Strictly – sequins and spray tan? Have you ever done anything quite like this before?
I am absolutely ready to get on the production line of Strictly. Rather like a car factory I shall arrive as an unformed blob shoved onto the conveyor belt. I shall be sprayed, spangled, totally upholstered and polished ready for the showroom! I cannot wait.
Did you have your eye on any competition when you met your fellow contestants at the promo shoot recently? Who do you think is going to be the one to watch?
Absolutely all of the other contestants are impossibly gorgeous and slinky hipped. Jerry Hall is a complete icon, Victoria Pendleton is a powerhouse, Nicky Byrne and Louis Smith are absolutely adorable. It is going to be a great fun series. Bring it on!
Jerry Hall
American model and actress Jerry Hall is no stranger to showbiz after becoming one of the top supermodels of the 70s and 80s. Her celebrity status rocketed even further after gracing magazine covers such as Vogue and high profile relationships with rock royalty. She has gone on to become an actress starring in films such as Batman and on stage in The Graduate and High Society. As she leaves the catwalk for the dancefloor will she captivate the fearsome judges with her Texan charm?
What are you most looking forward to about taking part in Strictly?
I’m looking forward to learning all those wonderful dances – the Waltz, the American Smooth, and especially the Tango - it’s such a sexy dance, so passionate. It’s all going to be so exciting.
What are you looking for from your professional dance partner?
I hope my dance partner will be fun yet firm and tall enough to lead me! As the youngest and tallest of five girls, back in Texas, I always had to take the lead and be the guy, so being led around the ballroom will be a nice experience for me.
Will you get any hints or tips from famous friends who have taken part in Strictly before?
I’ve spoken to some friends who have appeared on the show in the past, and they’ve all said what great fun the whole thing is, totally engrossing… and VERY hard work!
Kimberley Walsh
As one fifth of the biggest girl band in the UK, Girls Aloud, Kimberley Walsh has notched up 20 consecutive top ten singles (including four number ones), five platinum albums and sold in excess of 4.2 million albums. Most recently she has stormed the West End with a sellout performance as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical. With her musical background, will she be turning the other competitors green with envy?
What made you decide to sign up for Strictly this year?
It felt like the right time, I had considered it in the past and there was always too much going on and I was a little bit scared of it probably. And then doing Shrek and being terrified to do that but then loving it made me think I’d probably really love the experience if I can be brave enough to go for it, so I am! It’s totally up my street, something I’ll really enjoy, I’m sure I’ll thoroughly embrace it. I thought why wait; go for it whilst I’ve got the chance.
What do your Girls Aloud band mates think of you taking part?
I asked them before I signed up to it, and Cheryl basically told me I had to do it. She gave me no choice! They’re really excited about it, they’re really happy that I’m doing it. For them it’s going to be great because they can just chill out and watch. They are really supportive of the decision, so they’ll no doubt be coming down to cheer me on.
How do you think you’d feel if you had to perform to one of your own songs?
I thought about that actually, whether I would ever have to do that. I wouldn’t mind to be honest; you’re in tune with the music so much. For me, the music choice is quite a big thing; I’m probably going to be a bit bossy about that. For me it makes a massive difference if I love the song I’m performing to, so hopefully we get a bit of choice in the matter.
Lisa Riley
Lisa Riley became a household name as feisty barmaid Mandy Dingle in the ITV1 soap Emmerdale. Her popularity saw her take over from Jeremy Beadle as host of popular TV show You’ve Been Framed and go on to star in Fat Friends and Scott and Bailey. Lisa has also starred in a string of successful theatre tours including Calendar Girls and The Vagina Monologues. Lisa has a big personality and as an all-round performer, she is sure to keep the judges entertained.
Do you think all of your stage work will prepare you for dancing in front of the audience in the Strictly studio?
I hope so – but I think I’ll be VERY nervous heading into it, especially the first show. I think my mum will be on my shoulder keeping an eye on me and with me every step of the way. It was one of her absolute favourite shows. For the first three weeks on any new show you have a washing-machine stomach, but then things settle down and you get into it.
How do you rate your dance skills out of ten currently - should the other celebrity contestants be worried?
No! The others should not be worried - AT ALL! The first couple of weeks I will definitely be totally two-left-footed, but I think we all will. I’ve done a bit of dancing before in a couple of shows, but this is totally different. It’s like a comedy-drama actor suddenly having to learn Shakespeare.
How do you feel about the costumes - are you ready to be dowsed in spray-tan and sequins?
I’ve never had a spray tan in my life! I’m frightened of looking like an Oompa Loompa! I don’t want to look shiny – I am incredibly pale so I think I might look a bit ridiculous but I’m going to throw myself into the Strictly experience 100%.
Victoria Pendleton
Gold medal winner Victoria Pendleton MBE is the golden girl of British cycling. After winning nine world titles, including a record six in the individual sprint competition, she also went on to win a silver and gold in the London 2012 Olympics. Victoria is the reigning World Champion for the sprint and also an Olympic, European and Commonwealth champion. As she swaps her bike for the ballroom will Victoria’s competitive edge see her through to the final?
What made you decide to sign up for Strictly this year?
For me, retiring after the Olympics was always going to be a bit hard to follow, and knowing what it’s like post competition when you feel a bit lost and a bit ‘what do I do now?’ having something to focus on whether the result was good or bad at the Olympics was a great thing to do.
So how would you rate your current dancing skills out of 10?
About nil! Zero. Actually I’m going to give myself 0.5 out of 10 only for the fact that I’m not frightened to have a laugh at myself, so I’ll give it a go! I’ll go out there and give it a go. If I was at a party and amongst friends then I’d definitely have a bit of a boogie but other than that not so much. With my wedding coming up expectations will be very high now for our first dance! My fiance Scott is already feeling the pressure, but I reckon Scott’s quite good; he has more dance skills already than I have currently.
Are you going to be competitive against your other Team GB celebrity, Louis Smith?
Yes I am annoyed they put another athlete in especially one that can probably dance loads better than I can! And he can also do tricks as well! I can’t do any tricks. He’s going to be flipping on to the dance floor, that’s what I imagine. So I’m slightly intimidated by Louis. I have no dance experience, which is slightly concerning. People might feel sorry for me, I hope so!
The Men
Colin Salmon
One of the UK's leading actors, Colin Salmon has found fame alongside stars such as Pierce Brosnan and Dame Judi Dench. He has starred in three Bond films as Charles Robinson; Die Another Day, Tomorrow Never Dies and The World is Not Enough alongside numerous other TV and film roles including blockbuster Resident Evil and Doctor Who. An avid football supporter and once ranked in People magazine's poll of 50 Most Beautiful People in the world, Colin could be set to thrill on the Strictly dance floor.
What made you decide to sign up for Strictly this year?
I absolutely love dancing and I know three ex-champions ? Darren Gough, Mark Ramprakash and Tom Chambers ? and they all had a ball, but the only advice they have given me is to look after my feet!
What are you looking for in a dance partner?
I think you look for the same qualities as someone you might act with ? someone who is honest and someone who has patience.
What do your family and friends think?
My wife has been on at me for ages to do it and I wasn?t sure, but I hit a certain age and I decided that it was time to have some fun! Those people I have told are really excited, a lot of people in my life have always been very supportive and this is for them really.
Johnny Ball
Johnny Ball is known to millions for popularising science and maths. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has written and presented 23 solo television series including Think Of A Number, Think Again, Johnny Ball Reveals All and presented Playschool for 17 years. Today he spends his time travelling the country giving presentations on maths and science to schools and businesses, plus he is proud dad of It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball. As the oldest ever contestant on Strictly will Johnny?s old school charm and experience see him through to the final?
What are you most looking forward to about Strictly?
Meeting the other contestants and especially the dancers, who are all so fit and healthy. The way the group becomes one big self-supportive happy family is perhaps the greatest attraction in doing the show.
How would you rate your dancing skills out of 10?
It is not how I rate them. It is how Craig will rate them - I'd hate to be the first contestant to get a minus score from him.
How do you feel about being the oldest contestant ever to take part in Strictly?
Thank God they've asked me now. Imagine if they'd waited another 20 years.
What does your daughter think about you doing Strictly ? has she given you any tips or advice?
I kept it secret from Zoe for over six weeks, which I hated doing, as we tell each other everything. She is over the moon with excitement. I know that on It Takes Two she will be as impartial as is possible for a girl who loves her dad. For me, the great worry is causing her embarrassment.
Louis Smith
British gymnast Louis Smith is a master of his craft after winning a silver medal on the pommel horse at this year?s London 2012 Olympics, narrowly missing out on the gold on execution points. He also formed part of the team that took the bronze in the men's artistic team all-around at the games this year. Straight from London 2012, self-assured, determined and fresh from captaining this year?s men?s GB gymnastics team is Louis set for victory again?
What made you decide to sign up to Strictly this year?
It?s a very prestigious show, it?s definitely one of the best shows on TV at the moment, and I think it?s an honour as well as being great fun to be part of the show. Coming off the back of the Olympics and having been on such a high, I think this is one of the only shows that can match that in terms of the adrenalin buzz and being part of something special.
What are you looking for from your professional dance partner?
Someone to be very strict and keep me on the straight and narrow! I need someone who?s not shy about putting in the hours in training. I don?t think me being a gymnast means I?m going to do amazingly well, I?ll have to learn the routines and you can make mistakes, you can trip. I tried on the Latin dance shoes and nearly rolled my ankle! It?ll be tough but I?d like to think the girls will be fighting over me!
You are clearly competitive in your day job ? do you think you will be when it comes to Strictly too?
I am a very competitive person and I definitely want to do well. Win is a big word, and if you say that then you put yourself under a lot of pressure. But I definitely want to go all the way.
Michael Vaughan
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan was ranked one of the best cricket players in the world following the 2002/3 Ashes, in which he scored 633 runs. He was the captain of the England team when they regained the Ashes in 2005, 18 years after having last won the trophy and captained England in 51 Tests, winning 26 (a national record). Now retired, Michael is a professional commentator for all of England?s major cricket games. But with cricketers Mark Ramprakash and Darren Gough both winning in previous years, will Michael make it past the first innings or be stumped from the start?
What are you most looking forward to about Strictly?
I?m looking forward to meeting new people, but mostly I am very nervous. It?s quite petrifying, in my profession I am used to playing cricket in front of thousands of people but I had done it since I was eight - this is something completely different.
Two cricketers have won the show in previous series, are you feeling any pressure?
I am here to prove that most cricketers are more like Phil Tufnell and can?t dance! Gough and Ramprakash were amazing, Ramprakash in particular was a natural, he should be on stage ? maybe he could be my coach?!
How would you rate your dancing out of 10?
Around 3am I am alright ? anything before that is not worth talking about, I?m rubbish.
Nicky Byrne
Nicky Byrne is a singer/songwriter and one quarter of famous Irish pop band Westlife, one of the most successful bands of the 90s and 2000s. The group sold over 45 million records worldwide, accumulated 14 number-one singles in the UK and had 26 top ten singles over their 14 year career, performing for the last time together in June 2012. Will success be against all odds or will Nicky?s musical background and Irish charm see him through to the final?
What made you decide to do Strictly this year?
As a band we performed on Strictly a couple of times and I remember always looking at the contestants and seeing the fear in their eyes and thinking this has a real buzz and excitement about it. So when Westlife ended and I was thinking about what I was going to do next, I jumped at the chance to do Strictly.
So how would you rate your current dancing skills out of 10?
Raving in a club when I was 15 or 16 years old I would say I was about a seven or eight out of ten. When it comes to a Westlife dance routine eight or nine, but ballroom dancing I have absolutely no idea, maybe a minus ten!
Do you think you might be the one to lift the glitterball trophy this year?
I?m confident and will give it a good shot, but I?ve seen how good Harry was last year and he looked like Patrick Swayze, I keep thinking ?I can?t do that!? But there is no point being competitive until I know how good I am ? I could be the joker of the pack!
Richard Arnold
Housewives favourite Richard Arnold is a firmly established journalist and presenter who became known as the cheeky showbiz reporter on GMTV. He appeared on the show for 13 years, leaving in 2010. He has hosted numerous shows since including Loose Lips, and The Planet?s Funniest Animals and also has a weekly column in Hello! magazine. In June 2012 he returned to ITV Breakfast as Showbiz Editor for Daybreak. Fun and flamboyant, will Richard have the insider scoop and impress the judges?
What are you most looking forward to about Strictly?
Up until my costume fitting it was the lustre and the lycra! But then I discovered that the latin pants cut you higher than is faintly decent, and saw a muffin top in the mirror Delia would be proud of. It dawned on me that it's not everyone who can carry off marabou under a mirror ball on a Saturday night. It didn't help when the wardrobe department also had to slash my shirt at the back to help me get in it!
How do you rate your chances out of ten and should your fellow contestants be worried?
A loose four! I delude myself as best as the next man that I can tear up the rug on a Saturday night after a spot of sauce in the right company but co-ordination is not a skill I'm renowned for. I used to be first on the dance floor and last to leave but when you ripen into middle youth, it pays to develop exit skills before the lights come up!
A number of colleagues from breakfast telly have taken part. Have any of them asked for any tips?
I haven't told a soul about Strictly! I know how nervous they all were about taking part and I could see the fear in their eyes every Friday before they were due to take part, as palpable as their relief on the Monday when they'd survived another week. Not one of them regrets it, though, and I know they still miss the frocks. Andrew Castle especially, but then he has the physique of a tennis pro.
Sid Owen
Actor Sid Owen is most famous for playing EastEnders character Ricky Butcher, the loveable, hapless mechanic and long suffering husband of Bianca. He played the character on and off for nearly 25 years until his recent departure in June 2012, making him one of the most recognizable faces on UK television. Sid previously ran a restaurant in France and became a published authored in 2007 with his cookery book Life on a Plate: The Journey of an Unlikely Chef - he?s a man that can sing, act and cook ? but can he dance?
Why have you decided to take part in Strictly this year?
I have enjoyed watching the show over the years and I have had lots of friends that have taken part in it. They have all always really enjoyed it, so I thought it was my time to give it a go! I am really looking forward to the whole experience, but mainly learning to dance and getting dressed up in all the outfits every weekend.
What qualities are you looking for in your dance partner?
I don?t mind, they are all great dancers, but I suppose I am looking for patience most of all - I?m not a dancer so feel like a bit of an underdog, but it gives me more motivation to work hard and get better.
How would you rate your dancing out of 10?
Not very highly - I don?t think I?m a very good dancer. Even at parties I?m the boring one who stands at the bar and hardly moves, I just sway in time to the music at the side and stay off the dancefloor!
Is Charlie Brooks not doing it now?
Any idea who will be pairing up with who.