Sunday Service: Week 1

Opening with a phenomenal pro number meant that the rest of the show could only go one way...

The first six did really well, but how did the other nine fair?

Ben & Kristina kicked things off with their cha cha. Rugby players have traditionally done well on Strictly, and Ben continues this trend. There were lots of recognisable steps, and Ben moved quite well. He needs to watch his top half. His arms were a bit odd, and Len was right that his timing was iffy at times. A good start.

I don't know what I expected from Fiona & Anton, but Fiona totally exceeded my expectations. Their tango had so much content, and Fiona coped really well. The dance had a really good mood. She needs more strength and rigidity, especially in her top half, but it was very impressive for week one.

Dave & Karen were fun, but that's where it ends. There wasn't much cha cha content, and what there was was flat-footed and out of time. But Dave had a blast, and it was infectious. That's what I always want to see. I can live with bad dancing if the person doing it is having a good time, and performing. I think the 'dragging across the floor' move was ill-advised. John & Kristina-like...

Not a bad waltz from Rachel & Pasha. It was a little tentative and a little floppy in places. She showed potential and should do quite well in the competition.

For me, the jury is out on Julien & Janette. I can't decide if I liked their cha cha or not. It was very flat-footed and ploddy. Julien was clearly enjoying it, but I don't know if I did. I want to see another dance already. Julien has embraced the fake tan, though!

Deborah & Robin's tango was very skippy. It lacked drive and intent. There was lots of content, but Deborah didn't execute it very well. It needed to be more staccato. She needs to point her toes on kicks. Deborah looked stunning in that dress, though.

Patrick & Anya had it tough starting with the jive. Patrick had lots of style, but seemed to struggle with the speed of the jive. It seemed to be just too fast for him. I think getting the jive out of the way early might be a blessing. It was very watchable, though, and I can't wait to see more from Patrick.

You could see that Vanessa & James had worked hard on their cha cha. I really liked the routine, but it wasn't very well executed. It was plonky and flat-footed with no real style and no hip action. I think Bruno was right, we need to see more of Vanessa. Her personality didn't shine.

Abbey & Aliaž's waltz was fantastic. Abbey was so graceful. Her footwork was good, and their connection was so romantic. It had more emotion than any other routine. Genuinely moving. Lovely rise and fall. A fantastic start. I can't wait to see more from their partnership.

So everyone has danced. Abbey and Natalie are early front runners for me. Dave and Tony are in the danger zone, but I think Dave's enthusiasm might keep him in.

Here are Saturday's videos...

Ben & Kristina

 

Fiona & Anton



Dave & Karen



Rachel & Pasha



Julien & Janette



Deborah & Robin



Patrick & Anya




Vanessa & James



Abbey & Aliaž

Saturday Service: Week 1

Strictly's back, baby!

The first six celebrities gave it a go last night, and weren't too bad. No disasters, just a few tentative first steps.

First up was Ashley & Ola. He got off to a pretty good start with his cha cha. He didn't set the world alight, but it was solid. A couple of small errors, but I think everyone had a few mistakes. But Ola is so frustrating as a choreographer. I know it's only week one. I know they don't want to get carried away, but Ola's 'stand there while I dance around you' thing is really wearing thin. I used to think it was clever, now it's just annoying.

Second to go were Tony & Aliona. Tony was not as bad as I was expecting after seeing his 'first steps' clip. The beginning of his waltz was better than the end. It was actually quite cute. He just needs to not count, or sing along. It's not very attractive.

Mark & Iveta had a tough start, being given a tango instead of a waltz or cha cha, so you have to give Mark credit for what he did. It was not technically great, but his personality came across. He had a decent amount of drive for a novice. I'll be interested to see more.

Susanna & Kevin's jive had lots of potential. Like Mark, they were starting with a more difficult dance. Susanna reminded me of a Carol Smillie or an Alex Jones. Her feet were too far apart, and she was a bit flat footed, but it was good. Kevin trusted her to dance by herself quite a bit (Ola, take note!). They are going to be a couple to watch.

Sophie & Brendan did a good job for week one with their waltz. Sophie is a bit gangly, and will have to look after her limbs. She needs more heel leads, but Brendan will work on that in time. She will be around for a few weeks.

I have never heard so many cries of 'ringer' as I did on Twitter last night when Natalie & Artem took to the floor. Their cha cha was difficult (Ola, take note!), and well presented. Natalie, who until her late teens was planning to be a dancer, didn't have much trouble with her performance. But even the ringer can improve, and Natalie seemed to be lacking in hip action. She was streets ahead of everyone else, but she'll need to work hard to not be another Denise.

So, the first night was pretty OK. No disasters. Nothing so dreadful. I almost want someone to be really dreadful tonight, just to make it interesting...

Here are the videos...

Ashley & Ola



Tony & Aliona



Mark & Iveta



Susanna & Kevin



Sophie & Brendan



Natalie & Artem

Back Chat

This year's Strictly contestants have reportedly agreed to stick up for each other and talk back to the judges.

A source told the Daily Star: “This lot are the feistiest bunch we’ve ever had. They’ve all grown very close backstage and have promised to stick up for each other.”

We all know that Vanessa will be at the front of the queue...

First Steps

Here are Julien & Janette's first steps...



And Ashley & Ola...



See everyone step onto the dancefloor for their first performances on Friday at 9pm, BBC One.

Janette Had Dated Strictly Colleagues

Janette Manrara is romantically involved with fellow pro Aljaž Skorjanec, but he is not the only Strictly pro she has dated.

According to the Daily Mirror, Janette has also dated Artem and Pasha. 

A source told the paper that she's being relaxed about Abbey getting up-close to Aljaž: “Janette is fairly laid back and knows it’s all part of the job. Even if she was a bit jealous she couldn't show it. She couldn't really complain ­because she has dated two of the other Strictly dancers. She enjoyed a brief romance with Pasha. None of the ­relationships went very far or lasted for a long time. Now they are all good friends and can laugh and joke about it, which is fortunate because they will be working very close together. Janette is obviously a very attractive woman but she’s very into Aljaž now. They have been together for two years and do everything together.”

It's not that crazy, really. She's worked with all of them in Burn The Floor, and most people do meet their partners at work these days.

Young Kevin Clifton

Here, thanks to ThisIsGrimsby.co.uk, is some old footage of Strictly new boy Kevin Clifton, dancing with his sister Joanne, when he was literally a boy.

From Hip Hop To Hip Op

Craig Revel Horwood will be getting a hip replacement, after years of dancing have taken their toll.

The Huffington Post reports that Craig revealed all on BBC Breakfast: "I'm having a hip replacement and I can't wait - I'm going to be made of titanium and then I will come back bigger, better and stronger. It's all those years of can-cans and dropping in the splits.. The problem is, of course, it's like all sports injuries. Sports men and women need hip replacements. It was all those years of classical ballet and forcing turn-outs. It can be quite detrimental to your body."

I have very bad knees for the same reason. I made the mistake of forcing my turnout from the knees instead of the hips. And it doesn't help that I've always been significantly heavier than the average dancer. But I wouldn't change it. It will all still have been worth it. I wouldn't trade my dancing past (and present) for the world.

Sophie Not Afraid Of Skimpy Outfits

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is not afraid of the skimpy outfits on Strictly, and would be happy just to be covered in diamantes .

StarLounge.co.uk reports that Sophie told the Radio Times: "I hope that by the end I'll be completely encrusted in diamante with a hot body like the pro girls, wearing little outfits with tassels. I used to perform at nightclubs in my pants, so I'm not nervous."

Next! Maureen Lipman...

Maureen Lipman has revealed that she turned down Strictly Come Dancing, because she wouldn't be able to hold her tongue.

DigitalSpy reports that she said on Loose Women: "I turned it down. If anyone talked to me like that panel talk to those people, I'd bop them. No. I've worked hard all week to be this good, how dare you tell me my bum's fat? How dare you? I'd bop them."

First Steps - Deborah

A look at Deborah & Robin in training...

First Steps

A few more training videos...

Susanna & Kevin



Mark & Iveta



Ben & Kristina



Abbey & Aljaž

Ashley Awaiting Baby

Ashley Taylor Dawson is hoping his baby arrives soon, or he may miss one of the live shows. His baby, with fiancée Karen, is due to give birth to their scound child at the end of the week, just when the show is due to go live.

A souce told the Daily Mirror: “We are drafting emergency contingency plans. Ashley is even carrying a special phone which will only ring when the baby arrives. We all just want it to arrive safely and soon so the show can carry on as normal.”

Ashley said: “I’m hoping the baby comes before the live show so we can get settled. Ola is amazing. I’ve been doing 12-hour days at Hollyoaks and feel guilty because she has been waiting round all day for me.”

Flavia Will Try To Catch Snippets

Flavia Cacace says she might not have time to watch Strictly on Saturday nights, and will catch snippets when she can.

She told TV3: ''I'm sure we will catch bits of Strictly here and there. We're probably going to be busy. Saturdays tend to be quite a busy day for dancers, so we'll have to catch snippets here and there. I'm sure we'll keep on top of it.''

Give her a couple of years and she'll be at home Tweeting about it like Nicole and Camilla do.

Buno Says Couples Must Pace Themselves

Bruno advises couples to pace themselves, and save something for the last few weeks of the
show.

Ola Supposedly Demanded Less Attractive Partner For James

Ola Jordan would have reportedly quit Strictly, if husband James had been partnered with an attractive woman.

Unreality TV reports that a source told The Sun: “They knew Vanessa was going to be hard work and isn’t someone James was going to be naturally attracted to. It was the perfect solution for Ola, although James is not happy. James’ constant flirting with Denise [van Outen] was certainly noticed by Ola.”

Of course, this report is totally flawed. The pros do not know who they are partnered with until the launch show, which means Ola would have have been able to quit after she found out who James was partnered with.

James and Ola have been married a long time, and James is a flirt. But with Ola to go home to, I don't think she has anything to worry about. Anyone who saw them on All Star Mr & Mrs could see what a great couple they are.

Artem Concerned For His Future

Artem is concerned that he may have to leave the UK if he is ever dropped from Strictly.

He told the Daily Star:  “You don’t know what’s going to happen and if I wasn’t asked back it would really affect my life on different levels.”

Artem can only stay if he has work in the UK. Of course, we all know another way he could get to stay here... I'm sure Tess already has a hat picked out.

Congratulations, Vincent!

Congratulations to Vincent Simone and his partner Susan who have welcomed a new son into the world.

Vincent Tweeted on Thursday: "Hi everyone, my second little sausage has been made and is beautiful, big thank you to the producer of the show "Susan ". Thank you all XXX"

Harry Defends Aliona

Harry Judd has defended his Strictly partner Aliona Vilani, who was initially axed from the show before being drafted in to replace an injured Natalie Lowe.

Harry told the Daily Mirror: “Viewers get to know and love the stars so it was silly to get rid of the dancers this time for new ones we don’t know. I’ve no idea who some of these dancers are now or why bosses alter things the way they do. There was some amazing talent when I won. I was especially upset for Aliona when she went. She was incredible. She’s back now but I don’t know why they got rid of her in the first place.”

Despite what the article implies, Aliona was the only one who was not asked to return. Vincent, Flavia and Erin all decided to call it a day themselves, and therefore had to be replaced. But thanks anyway, Harry.

First Steps

More first rehearsals...

Rachel & Pasha



Patrick & Anya

Don't Even Godet There!

Julien Macdonald will not be inserting his own godets into his Strictly costumes - he's been told he cannot design any of the costumes.

The Daily Star reports that he askedto create his own outfits, but show bosses said no.

That's it. One line is a story. Apparently. With nothing to support it. Not even a 'source'. Because this is the Daily Star.

Sir Bruce's Swan Song?

Could this year be Sir Bruce's swan song? Is he ready to give up? His friend Ronnie Corbett thinks it might be.

The Daily Express reports that Ronnie speculated to The Sun: "Bruce seems to thrive on entertaining but whether he will thrive after this series of Strictly I don’t know. He must get tired. I think after this series he will give himself a Brucie Bonus... Every Saturday is gruelling. It is really hard going. It is not something I could do each week on Saturday nights now... Bruce is a special breed and his talents are very diverse as he can dance and play the piano. But Bruce does not walk down the stairs now — he comes down from the side like a dancer."

Susanna Turns To Bill For Tips

Susanna Reid is hoping her BBC Breakfast co-presenter, and former Strictly participant, Bill Turnbull will give her some tips and help her practice her dance moves.

The Independent reports that Susanna told the Radio Times: "After we've grilled the politicians, discussed the weather and reviewed the papers, I'm relying on Bill to help me out when I forget the foxtrot, with a few refresher lessons behind the Breakfast sofa. Hold on tight, it's going to be bumpy ride."

And on the famous Strictly 'look', she said: "Everyone here is a gorgeous shade of caramel and the false eyelashes are stored in holdalls as big as suitcases."

Vote For Strictly

Shortlist voting for the National Television Awards is now open.

As always, you can vote for Strictly Come Dancing in the Talent Show category. This year it is up against Britain's Got Talent, The X Factor, Your Face Sounds Familiar, Stepping Out, Let's Dance For Comic Relief, The Voice, Got To Dance and Dancing On Ice.

No competition, really.

You can also vote for Sir Bruce and Tess in the Entertainment Presenter category.

Visit nationaltvawards.com/vote/ to have your say.

First Steps

Some more training videos to enjoy!

Fiona & Anton



Dave & Karen

Ben Would Have Been Happy With Robin

Ben Cohen would have been open to having a male partner, and would have been happy to dance with Robin.

Ben, who is a strong supporter of the gay community, told the Sunday Mirror: “I've no qualms dancing with a woman or a man. Kristina will be easier to pick up though... I like to break down stereotypes.”

Robin said: “[Ben] kept saying to me, ‘I hope they put me with you’, but it wasn't to be. He’s amazing, the things he has done for the gay ­community. I adore him.”

Strictly Stars Sparkle At LFW

It seems that the participants of this year's Strictly are already bonding, as they all turned out to support Julien Macdonald at London Fashion Week.

Hello! magazine reports that Vanessa, Abbey, Brendan and his wife Zoe, Janette, Aljaž, Kevin, Karen and Kristina all popped along to show their support at Julien's show.

Julien also tweeted a pic of Janette and Aljaž helping him out with some last minute alterations.

First Steps - Vanessa

Vanessa & James in rehearsals...

First Steps

Just like last year, the BBC have been posting the first training clips of this year's couples. Here are the first two sneak peaks...

Natalie & Artem

 

 

Sophie & Brendan

 

 

1.5 Million Ticket Applications

An astounding 1.5 million ticket applications were received for this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.

A source told the Daily Express: “The numbers have definitely swelled. It’s now being filmed at Elstree Studios. We can now take up to 700 people in the new studio, so that’s an extra 250 people to see the live show than at White City. The sound is bigger, and so is the dance floor. It’s one big shiny floor show! And let’s face it, this is the last show of its type, glamorous, and a bit of variety."

I haven't had tickets of my own since the ballot system started. Maybe this will be my year...

No Strictly For Crouch

Abbey Clancy has revealed that despite being on the show, she wouldn't let husband Peter Crouch do the show.

She told the Daily Mirror: “I’m not too sure I’d allow that though. The girls are far too hot."

Meanwhile, Janette Manrara, who dates Abbey's partner Aljaž, has warned her to keep her hands off. She told DigitalSpy: "I've got my eye on her. She's a beautiful model with a great personality."

New Studio Caused Delays

Filming of last week's lunch show didn't end until about 11pm, and while some blamed Sir Bruce for the delays, others claimed the unfamiliar studios were to blame.

Insiders claimed that Sir Bruce was "clearly tired", strugling to take directions and deliver lines.

But a source defended Sir Bruce, telling Heatworld: "This was our first time in Elstree Studios, so other factors to consider were sound issues and camera positions. Every other Strictly show is live and our presenters have no difficulty. Bruce had no more pick-ups [when presenters are asked to repeat their line] than Tess did and the music performances were recorded twice. This was all done to make the best possible show for the audience."

Kristina: "We Shall See What Happens"

Newly single Kristina Rihanoff is hoping for some romance among the celebrities and their partners this year.

TellyMix.co.uk reports that Kristina told The Sun: “Nothing happened last year – it was quite boring. It’s nice when there’s chemistry but no one fell in love – everyone on last year’s show was happy and settled. We have four new professional dancers starting this year so we shall see what happens with the new celebrities.”

Kristina is one of the few dancers who is not in a relationship, so perhaps she'll be leading the charge. Although I don't think she'll have any luck with her own celebrity Ben Cohen. He's been married for ten years.

Bruce: Celebrities Can Make The Show Go Down

Sir Bruce Forsyth has said that he thinks the calibre of the celebrities affects the show.

He told the Metro: "If you haven’t got good celebrities as we did have for a couple of years… we did go down and it showed. The last couple of years that has been revived and we do get interesting people and in the last one we got six couples that were worthy of winning. When we got to the last four we thought who can win this? In the end we had  two wonderful couples, each of who could have been winners. We had that last year and let’s hope we can have that this year."

In terms of celebrity clout, 2013 is not an outstanding year, but if the dancing is good, no-one will care. Big names bring people in, but it's good dancing (and maybe a few tricks) that keep them watching. And as I say every series, I might not know who these 'celebrities' are now, but in a few short weeks I will feel them better than I know my own family.

Ben Cohen Will Give 100%

Ben Cohen promises to give his best, and that will be good enough.

He told Reveal magazine: "I'm not in competition with other people in my eyes, I just want to do the best I can. If someone's better than me on the day then fine, I've given it 100% and that's all I can give. I don't have any preconceived ideas of where I want to come in the show. For me it's going to be week by week. You won't know the dance, and you'll only be as good as your last week and your last dance. If you're here the next week you'll learn something else."

Deborah Meaden: "I Thought I Could Win It"

Deborah Meaden once thought she could win Strictly, but not any more.

She told the Metro: "I love Strictly Come Dancing. I thought I’d gone past the days of taking part. There was a time when I thought I could win it, but I've gone past that stage so thought it wouldn't happen – and then they asked me! It’s an amazing opportunity and I would not be able to live with myself if I didn't do it."

Rachel Riley: "I’m Really Clumsy"

Rachel Riley has admitted that she's not very elegant, but hopes to learn from the best.

She told the Metro: "I have never danced before, I have only had one hour of dancing lessons before my wedding and to get the chance to be taught by professionals – how to be graceful, elegant and move. It really appeals. As my friends know, I'm really clumsy and I have never been graceful in my life so maybe now is the time to start."

Tess: "Celebrity Pool Is Getting Smaller"

Tess Daly is surprised Strictly is still going, and is concerned that the pool of celebrities is getting smaller.

She told the Radio Times: “We never thought it would last this long and I don’t want it ever to end, but the celebrity pool is getting smaller".

She also said that it's the sports stars who find it tough: “Sports stars are difficult as they’re not used to talking about their feelings. Mark Ramprakash could barely make eye contact, he was so crippled by nerves. It was wonderful when he found his dancing feet and grew to love it. Then we couldn't keep him quiet."

Celebrity Trailer

Here is a new trailer for Strictly, this time with the celebrities revealed.

Abbey Wants To Get Fit

Abbey Clancy has revealed that fitness is her main motivation for signing up for Strictly.

She told Marie Claire: "I’m strong, but I’ve got no stamina. I get out of breath so easy. I don’t train or go to the gym, so just getting my fitness up, toning, and feeling good – that’s what I’m looking forward to the most... I’d like a [partner] who can disguise how bad I’ll be!"

The Rest Of The Line-Up

In addition to those already announced – Vanessa Feltz, Abbey Clancy, Tony Jacklin, Rachel Riley and Susanna Reid – the full line-up has now been revealed.

Hollyoaks actor Ashley Taylor Dawson should do quite well. He was a member of pop group allSTARS*. If he passed the audition process for a band like that, he must have a few moves.

England rugby player Ben Cohen follows a long list of rugby players to have graced the dancefloor. Some have been better than others, but they’ve all had that sportsman’s will to do well.

Dave Myers, who is half of the Hairy Bikers, could be one to watch. I think he’ll be up for fun, and with the right partner could do OK.

Dragon’s Den’s Deborah Meadan has already given dancing a go on Let’s Dance For Comic Relief in 2009. She wasn’t too bad on that, and with a lot of work she could do OK on Strictly.

Actress Fiona Fullerton is a bit of a curve ball. She’s not really done very much, and certainly not in recent years. I think she’ll have to work harder to get the public on side, as being a former Bond girl is really not going to be enough.

Designer Julien McDonald spent most of last series on It Takes Two, but I don’t think he was very well received. He too will have to work hard to get the viewers on his ‘fablous’ side.

Mark Benton is a name you might not know, but a face you definitely do. He’s been in loads of things, although I know him mostly from the Nationwide ads a couple of years ago. He’s also in that awesome E-Lites ad (Google it now!). If he has anywhere near as much talent as that baby, he’s a shoe-in.

I don’t know much about Natalie Gumede, other than she was in Corrie, and I don’t watch that. She studied Musical Theatre, though, she she’ll probably be a bit good.

Patrick Robinson is not the first Casualty actor to have a go at Strictly, and I’m sure he won’t be the last.  Like Deborah, he’s already had a taste of Saturday night fever in Let’s Dance For Comic Relief.

Being a musical performer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor should at least be able to keep time. I just hope she can let go and relax. She always comes across as so poised. I think she’ll be great at ballroom, but will she be able to shake off those inhibitions for a Latin, or send herself up in the Charleston? How long until we get the first Murder On The Dancefloor pun?

So there we have it. Fifteen celebrities excited and terrified. Find out who they are partnered in Saturday’s launch show, 6.50pm, BBC One.

Susanna Reid Confirmed

Susanna Reid has now officially been confirmed as a Strictly participant.

Natalie Pulls Out

The BBC have confirmed that Natalie Lowe has been forced to pull out of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing due to injury.

A Strictly spokesperson said: “It is with much sadness we confirm that Natalie can no longer compete in this series on the advice of doctors due to stress fractures in her left foot. She shall very much remain part of the Strictly family and we will welcome her back into the dance troupe as soon as she is fit to do so.”

Natalie said: "I was absolutely devastated when I received the results from my MRI scan. Not being able to compete with a celebrity partner for this year's Strictly is so hard for me. But this series is going to blow everyone away and I cannot wait to get my feet back on the dance floor to join my Strictly family for another year of incredible dancing and the best entertainment."

Natalie hopes she will be fit for the Christmas Special. I, personally, would like to wish Natalie a speedy recovery. She is a such a lovely person, and an amazing dancer. Anyone who saw Strictly Confidential will know how talented and wonderful she is.

She will be replaced by Aliona Vilani for the main series.

Aliona said: “My heart goes out to Natalie as she was looking forward to the series so much. I wish her a speedy recovery on behalf of all the professional dancers. I am really pleased to be returning to Strictly and look forward to a very exciting series.”

Next! Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen...

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen claims that he turned down Strictly because he didn't want to dance with anyone but his wife.

Laurence, who is dancing with his wife Jackie on ITV's real-life partner dance show Stepping Out, told Yahoo! news: "So many people have always asked me for years and years why I've never done Strictly, and I've never said yes to Strictly because I don't want to dance with anyone else... crazy! For goodness' sake, why would I want to spend 10 weeks learning to dance when actually the woman that I've been married to for the last 25 years very patiently has been waiting for me to rumba her?"

Very noble, Laurence. But it does mean you've turned down one of the biggest shows on television to appear on an ITV knock-off. Still, Larence has always had 'different' tastes. Each to their own...

Darecy: "It’s Massively Important To Have New Blood"

Darcey Bussell admits that she miss some of the Strictly pros that have left the show, but understands the need to have new faces in the line-up.

She told the Sunday Mirror: “It’s massively important to have new blood. It keeps everyone on their toes and brings in a new kind of competitive spirit. I do totally love Vincent and Flavia, so I was like, ‘oh no!’ when they left but they’ll still be making a few appearances this series. It’s hard because they have become personalities as much as the celebrities, but I worked in a company where you always had new dancers. All the dancers will be perfecting their moves even more and people wil be wondering how they’ll choreograph the celebrities. It will keep the edge high.”

Darcey herself was "new blood" not so long ago, and has fitted in to the panel very well. I think she's great.

She also believes that the show will go on when and if Sir Bruce decides to retire. She said: “Now that it’s been going for nearly ten years he knows it will sail without him. He is an extraordinary professional and I have so much respect for him. He knows every trick of how to do a live show. If he does retire, I still think the format would be a success though.”

Latest Rumours: Deborah Meaden & Susanna Reid

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Deborah Meaden and Susanna Reid will be talking part in this year's series.

According to the Daily Mail, Dragon's Den's Deborah is very excited to be talking part. A source said: "There couldn’t be anything more dramatically different from Deborah’s serious corporate world than the glittery Strictly ballroom. She has spent most of her working life wearing business suits and sitting in meetings – she was really keen to try something totally out of her comfort zone. Away from the Den she can be very relaxed and quite feminine, so it’ll be a great opportunity for her to show that side of herself. Clearly it’s not about the money for her – she just hopes it will be a great laugh."

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror reports that BBC Breakfast's Susanna would like to dance with Robin Windsor again, having been partnered with him in the 2011 Children In Need special. A source told the paper: “We’re delighted to get Susanna on the show. She is the most popular thing on breakfast TV and is loved by millions. She is used to getting up early for her job, but she faces a tough schedule now to fit everything in along with her family life.”

Confirmed: Tony Jacklin, Rachel Riley & Abbey Clancy

Golfer Tony Jacklin, Countdown letters girl Rachel Riley and model Abbey Clancy have all been confirmed to take part in this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Tony Jacklin CBE is a friend of Sir Bruce. He has won two major tournaments, The Open in 1969 and the US Open in 1970, and a total of 28 professional championships.

Rachel Riley follows in fellow Countdown girl Carol Voderman's footsepts onto the dancefloor. Rachel joined Countdown in 2009, and also co-presents The Gadget Show on Channel 5.

 

Abbey Clancy is a model and WAG, having married Peter Crouch in 2011. Strictly is not Abbey's first attempt at 'reality' TV. She was propelled to fame on Britain's Next Top Model.

 

All photos are from https://twitter.com/bbcstrictly.