The Lineup: First Thoughts

Now I've had time to sleep on it (well, lie awake thinking about it), here are my thoughts on this year's crop of celebrities:

I have to admit that I've been excited about Ann Widdecombe since the start. I've always had a soft spot for her. I don't always agree with her politics, but you cannot deny that she's a very charismatic and engaging woman. I'm not sure how she'll be on the floor, though. I just can't (or don't want to) picture her having a go at rumba, but I think she might be a wizz with the ballroom.

Kara Tointon has already shown that she can dance, when she won a Sport Relief special a couple of years back (watch it here). I would expect her to be an all-rounder, but I wonder if she'll be able to tear up with floor. I think she'll definiatly be competent.

Felicity Kendal was a bit of a sex symbol in her Good Life days, and I think probably is among the Saga set. I hope she'll be a Longhi, but hopefully with more of a flair for the latin.

Patsy Kensit has famously been married to four musicians, so perhaps she has a ear for music... I see her as a younger felicity Kendal. She'll have a big soap vote too, having been in Emmerdale and Holby City.

Tina O'Brien will be fighting Patsy for the soap vote, having been in Coronation Street. At 27, Tina is the youngest participant this year (2 days younger than Kara). She should have lots of enthusiasm and energy. I would expect her to go quite far.

Michelle Williams should be a favourite to win at this stage (before anyone has danced). As a member of one of the most successful girl groups of all time, she won't be afraid of learning choreography or spending long periods in a dance studio. But will the British public warm to an American import?

Pamela Stephenson is a bit of a wild card in my eyes. She hasn't really been on TV since Not The Nine O'Clock News in the early '80s, which even I'm a bit young to remember. She's kind of a Jo Wood - only really famous for being someone's wife.

I quite fancy Goldie's chances. He proved he has perfect timing by only narrowly missing out on the Maestro conducting title. I can't wait to see who he is partnered with.

For Gavin Henson it's a case of spouting all the usual sportsmen cliches - used to training and hard work, used to competition, focused, etc etc. Gavin is this year's male eye candy, and will give Austin Healey a run for his money in the tanning booth. It's times like this that I miss Arlene...

And the same sporting cliches also apply to Peter Shilton. Except I saw him on Let's Dance For Sport Relief earlier in the year. Oh dear... (watch it here). I think the public will love him (he's an England legend), but I don't think it will get him all the way.

Will Paul Daniels be magic on the floor (sorry!)? I somehow doubt it. I do not have high hopes, and suspect he could be out pretty quickly. But it's a fantastic opportunity for him to shift the public's perception about him. The popularity of his pro partner could be a key to success.

Like Tina, Kara and Patsy, Scott Maslen will be looking for the soap vote. Having so many soap stars might be good to split the voters a bit. He could be the victor on that though, having been a frontrunner for several sexiest actor awards. Will he be any good? No idea...

I don't know much about Jimi Mistry as I have not watched anything he has been in, but maybe his early career in EastEnders will give him a boost.

You have to believe that Matt Baker will be pretty good. As a former Blue Peter presenter, he is used to having a go at anything that is thrown at him. And look at how well Gethin Jones did. Can Matt follow in Gethin's footsteps?

There you have it. We should find out the pairings shortly, as they are all filming Saturday's special tonight. So watch this space for my thoughts.

And don't forget to follow me on Twitter for daily musings on all things Strictly.