Strictly Come Dancing: Contestants and their chances
WHO'LL rise to the cha-cha challenge and who’ll stumble in the samba? We ask this year’s Strictly contestants to assess their chances…
Judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli
More than 10 million people tuned in to watch the launch of Strictly Come Dancing earlier this month – making it the highest-rated episode in the reality show’s history. And it’s no surprise, given this year’s star-studded line-up: from chart-topping singer Anastacia, to Olympic gold-winning athlete Greg Rutherford and glamorous model Daisy Lowe.
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introduced the 15 intrepid celebrity novices to their professional partners, before they were thrown in at the deep end with their first performance, an energetic group number, where we were given a glimpse of their dancing prowess (or lack thereof).
Now, after three weeks of training, they are ready to face the music – as well as judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli. The first group of contestants performed last night and as the rest get set to salsa, Kirsty Nutkins asks them how they rate their chances on this year’s show.
Strictly's Laura and Giovanni show promise in training
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2016: What the contestants really think
Daisy Lowe (27) Model and actress
Partner: Aljaž Skorjanec
“I’m so nervous, but I love dancing! I wouldn’t say I’m skilled and I’ve never done anything like this before, so this is new territory. It’s going to be really difficult and I’ve got to try to not be too hard on myself.”
Ed Balls (49) Former Labour Shadow Chancellor
Partner: Katya Jones
“I had a post-politics bucket list and really wanted to do Strictly. But I was quite nervous saying yes because I’m not sure if I’m Strictly material. I’m quite good at line dancing and I can waltz, but I’m struggling with the idea of Latin.”
Claudia Fragapane (18) Team GB gymnast
Partner: AJ Pritchard
“Being a gymnast will give me a little bit of an advantage, but it’s a very different discipline. To have to learn a dance routine in a week will be a challenge. I’m competitive, more with myself than with others. I want to keep doing the best that I can.”
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Greg Rutherford (29) long jump gold medallist
Partner:
Natalie Lowe
“I’m truly not a dancer, so it’s going to be a really hard process. I’m very used to taking criticism, though; that’s the world I come from. However long I last, I would like to come out and be able to formulate some kind of movement that looks like dance.”
Laura Whitmore (31) TV presenter
Partner: Giovanni Pernice
“I’ve watched every series of Strictly from the start and I’ve always wanted to do it. I’m looking forward to learning how to dance and getting fit. My mum and her sisters can jive like pros and I want to be able to get on that dance floor and show them a thing or two!”
Will Young (37) Singer and actor
Partner: Karen Clifton
“I sang on the show last year and danced a little bit with the professionals. Afterwards, I turned to my manager and said, ‘I’d love to do it’. The show has such a good vibe. I don’t know how I’ll fare, but I won’t get competitive. I’m just here for the whole Strictly experience.”
Lesley Joseph (70) Birds of a Feather star
Partner: Anton Du Beke
“My biggest challenge will be the physicality of it all. I’m not 21 or even 41. I wanted to take part because Strictly is one of the most iconic programmes on TV; it’s fun and it’s glamorous… and I wanted a spray tan! My aim is to make it to Blackpool.”
Louise Redknapp (41) Singer with 90s girl band Eternal
Partner: Kevin Clifton
“It is all quite daunting. I’m looking forward to getting out there and having the opportunity to perform to music like I used to. Nerves can really get the better of me, though. It’ll be my biggest downfall.”
Ore Oduba (29) BBC Sports presenter
Partner: Joanne Clifton
“I’m terrified, but I’m also looking forward to being thrown well out of my comfort zone. This is going to be such a great journey. I want to take on board every bit of advice, because if you’re lucky enough to stay, that’s what’s going to make you better.”
Anastacia
Naga Munchetty
(41) BBC Breakfast presenter
Partner: Pasha Kovalev
“For enthusiasm, I get 10 out of 10. Put me on a nightclub dance floor and I’ll just throw myself round and love it. If anyone offers to teach you how to dance properly, you’d be mad to turn it down, even if it is a scary prospect.”
Melvin Odoom (36) Kiss FM DJ and former host of The Xtra Factor
Partner: Janette Manrara
“Strictly is the biggest show on television – why would you not want to be on it? Some people come into the competition thinking it’s work, but it’s such an amazing thing to be doing. I want to have fun as well as perform a great dance routine.”
Danny Mac (28) Former Hollyoaks star
Partner: Oti Mabuse
“I’m hoping I’ll do okay, but I’m very pernickety; I care so much about everything I do and have a tendency to over-think things. I’ll also have trouble retaining everything to perform on the night. Doing Strictly is going to be my biggest challenge yet.”
Strictly judge compares Ed Balls with a Hippo
Tameka Empson (39) EastEnders actress
Partner: gorka marquez
“Strictly has always been a dream of mine, so when the opportunity knocked I answered the door and said, ‘Welcome, come on in!’” I think I’m a good mover. I went to dance classes as a child. And I’d like to impress Craig and make him smile!”
Robert Rinder (38) Star of ITV reality show Judge Rinder
Partner:
Oksana PLATERO
“I’m quite competitive, which probably comes from running marathons. I really love the show and love dancing, even though I’m not very good. The main reason I’m doing this is to make my grandparents proud. They love Strictly; it gives them so much joy and escapism.
Ed Balls
Anastacia (48) Pop singer
PARTNER: Brandan Cole
“As a woman recovering from so many health problems, most recently undergoing a double mastectomy, I wanted to get in touch with my female body again. So doing Strictly is a personal challenge for me. I can’t wait for the Latin dances!”
Strictly Come Dancing, Tonight, 6.30pm, BBC1