Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Full list of celebrities and their partners
STRICTLY COME DANCING will be waltzing its way back onto our screens this weekend when the celebrities are put through their paces in the first live show of the series.
Mollie King, Ruth Langsford and Charlotte Hawkins will be making their debut on Strictly Come Dancin
A total of 15 famous faces will be taking part in this year’s series and come from the worlds of music, sport, cookery, soap, daytime TV and even the clergy.
The stars were coupled up with their professional dance partners during the launch show which was broadcast earlier this month.
Here is the full list of couples taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Gemma Atkinson & Aljaž Škorjanec
The Emmerdale and Hollyoaks actress, 32, has been spotted practising with the 27-year-old professional, who is a veteran of the BBC series and is now into his fifth year.
They are set to be strutting their stuff to There’s Nothing Holdin' Me Back by Shawn Mendes when they show off their Cha Cha in the first live show.
Gemma Atkinson and Aljaž Škorjanec will be doing a Cha Cha on Strictly Come Dancing
Debbie McGee & Giovanni Pernice
Former magician’s assistant Debbie, 58, seemed ecstatic when she found out she was partnered with the Italian dancer, 27.
As their first dance, they will be performing a Paso Doble to Be Italian by Fergie which will hopefully impress the judges.
Debbie already has some dance experience after she became the Artistic Director and Choreographer of the classical ballet company, Ballet Imaginaire back in 2000.
Chizzy Akudolu and Pasha Kovalev will Cha Cha on Strictly Come Dancing
Chizzy Akudolu & Pasha Kovalev
Comedian and Holby City actress Chizzy, 43, will be teaming up with Pasha, 37, this year and will be hoping to wow viewers and the judging panel with a Cha Cha to Boogie Fever by The Sylvers.
She has admitted that she doesn’t have much experience when it comes to formal dancing, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know how to throw some shapes.
Chizzy and her Casualty and Holby City co-stars gave an unforgettable performance of Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk on Let’s Sing and Dance for Comic Relief.
Ruth Langsford and Anton Du Beke will perform a Waltz on Strictly Come Dancing
Ruth Langsford & Anton Du Beke
This Morning host Ruth, 57, is more used to sparring with co-presenter and husband Eamonn Holmes on daytime TV than taking a turn on the dance floor.
However, she will be showing just what she’s made of when she dances a Waltz to This Nearly Was Mine (Seth MacFarlane version) with Anton, 51.
Aston Merrygold & Janette Manrara
JLS singer Aston, 29, is already being touted by the bookmakers as a favourite thanks to his time in the boyband and serving as a judge on Sky 1 series Got To Dance.
He and Janette, 33, will be doing a Foxtrot to It Had To Be You Harry Connick Jnr.
Reverend Richard Coles and Dianne Buswell will perform a Cha Cha on Strictly Come Dancing
Reverend Richard Coles & Dianne Buswell
The 55-year-old vicar and former star of 80s pop group The Communards has been partnered with one of the three new professionals joining this year.
Dianne, 27, and Richard will be doing a Cha Cha to There Must Be An Angel by the Eurythmics.
Davood Ghadami & Nadiya Bychkova
Best known as Kush Kazemi in EastEnders, the 35-year-old soap star will be swapping Walford for the bright lights of Strictly.
He will be working with newbie Nadiya, 28, as they hope to impress with Cha Cha to Dedication To My Ex by Lloyd ft. Andre 3000.
Alexandra Burke and Gorka Marquez will perform a Waltz on Strictly Come Dancing
Simon Rimmer and Karen Clifton will do the Paso Doble on Strictly Come Dancing
Simon Rimmer & Karen Clifton
The Sunday Brunch Chef, 54, can be seen whipping up a feast in the kitchen each week but can he dance up a storm on Strictly?
He will be dancing with Strictly pro Karen, 35, and they will be performing the Paso Doble to Song 2 by Blur.
Charlotte Hawkins & Brendan Cole
Good Morning Britain host Charlotte, 42, will be trading headlines and focusing on her top line when she takes to the dance floor with Brendan, 41.
They will be doing Foxtrot to The Best Is Yet To Come by Michael Bublé.
Charlotte Hawkins and Brendan Cole will perform a Foxtrot on Strictly Come Dancing
Mollie King and AJ Pritchard will perform a Jive on Strictly Come Dancing
Mollie King & AJ Pritchard
The Saturdays singer, 30, is another favourite thanks to her routine during her time as part of the pop powerhouse.
She has been seen getting up close and personal with partner AJ, 22, as they prepare to show off their Jive to Good Golly Miss Molly by Little Richard.
Alexandra Burke & Gorka Marquez
She’s definitely got The X Factor after winning in 2008, but the 29-year-old could also be getting her hands on the Glitterball Trophy as well if the rumours are to be believed about her dancing prowess.
Alexandra is going to be making her Strictly debut with Gorka, 27, when they will be Waltzing to (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin.
Susan Calman and Kevin Clifton will perform a Viennese Waltz on Strictly Come Dancing
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones will do a Jive on Strictly Come Dancing
Susan Calman & Kevin Clifton
The comedian, 42, is joining forces with Kevin, 34, and they will be showcasing the Viennese Waltz to Mad About The Boy by Dinah Washington.
Susan was clearly excited when she found out she would be partnered with Kevin, so much so that she burst into tears shortly after the announcement.
Joe McFadden & Katya Jones
He is better known as a doctor on Holby City but now Joe, 41, is going to be showing off his fancy footwork when he and Katya, 24, Jive to Rockin’ Robin by Michael Jackson.
While most of his experience has comprised of hitting the dance floor at weddings, he is hoping to master the Salsa and the Cha Cha.
Jonnie Peacock and Oti Mabuse will perform a Waltz on Strictly Come Dancing
Brian Conley and Amy Dowden will dance the Tango on Strictly Come Dancing
Jonnie Peacock & Oti Mabuse
The first star with an amuptation to take part in Strictly, the 24-year-old Paralympian sprinter will be making waves when he will Waltz to When I Need You by Luther Vandross with Oti, 27.
He has admitted that he wants to make it through to Blackpool and wants to ultimately dance his way to victory.
Brian Conley & Amy Dowden
Comedian Brian, 56, has been partnered with the last of the Strictly Come Dancing newcomers Amy, 26.
They will be doing a Tango to Temptation by Heaven 17.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One on Saturday at 6.25pm.