Here We Go! Strictly 2011 Is Here!

The BBC has announced the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing series 9. For anyone who has been reading the tabloids in recent weeks, there are no surprises.

Here are the celebrities taking part and a few opinions about each, starting with the girls:

I think Edwina Currie will be like Marmite. People will either love her or hate her. I suspect she might have a few moves.

Nancy Dell’Olio is really only famous for being Sven-Göran Eriksson’s ex-girlfriend (and Trevor Nunn’s ex-girlfriend more recently). But then that was all Jo Wood was famous for, and she ended up becoming a favourite with the nation.

Anita Dobson is Angie Watts, the queen of Albert Square. It will be great to see her back on TV after all these years. I’m hoping she’ll be classy and elegant – a Cherie Lunghi type.

Chelsee Healey is following in Tina O’Brien’s footsteps, both having appeared in Waterloo Road. She is the youngest participant this year, but age doesn’t always mean dance talent. Unlike many other young participants, she is not a stage school kid.

Alex Jones is the worst kept secret of the series. She’s been around dance having presented Let’s Dance For Comic Relief (if you can call that ‘dancing’). Will any of it have rubbed off on her?

I love Lulu, and I’m sure I’m not alone. She was an absolute legend on Let’s Dance For Comic Relief, and was robbed of a place in the final in my opinion. She proved that she has bags of energy. I’m hoping she can do it for the older ladies.

I would expect Holly Valance to be good. She’s a former popstar who will have learned choreography in her past.

On to the boys:

Rory Bremner will be looking to make a good impression on the judges (geddit?). He stands straight when he’s on TV, so he should have decent posture. At least he does a decent Brucie impression. No doubt he is working on his Bruno as we speak (it can’t be any worse than Jon Culshaw’s).

I am looking forward to seeing Jason Donovan. He should have no trouble, being a West End star already in Priscilla and Joseph. He will have the theatre work ethic and should have musicality built in. Can’t wait to see him.

Will Russell Grant be the next Ann Widdecombe?

Boxers don’t have a great track-record for dancing. Joe Calzaghe. Evander Hollyfield. It’s surprising considering the nippy footwork boxing requires. Maybe Audley Harrison can buck the trend.

Harry Judd has already proved his mettle, having won last year’s Children In Need special. Kara did a charity special and went on to win the main series. She was also help back a week’s training because of it. I wonder if the same will happen to Harry. With the McFy vote behind him, he should make it through quite a way.

Daniel Lobb (he’s off Daybreak) is a former tennis player. Like boxers, they also don’t have a great track record. Martina Hingis. Andrew Castle. Maybe Dan can fly the flag for them.

Despite denying rumours of his participation, Robbie Savage will be a part of the show. Not sure why he felt the need to deny it, while other just kept stchum. Footballers have had mixed fortunes on Strictly, but I have a feeling he might enjoy a sequin or two.

So there you have it!



Tune in to BBC One on Saturday at 6.10pm on Saturday night to see who each celebrity will be partnered with.