Victoria Pendleton and Kimberly Walsh - take a look at the Strictly Come Dancing line up
Thursday 13 September 2012
Strictly Come Dancing 2012 kicks off on TV this Saturday and the glitzy celebrity line-up has finally been confirmed.
The competition is always fierce but this year looks like it might be more intense than usual - with two Olympic athletes confirmed to take part.
Gold medallist Victoria Pendleton and silver medallist Louis Smith are set to take part in the popular dancing show, along with the likes of Kimberly Walsh and Westlife's Nicky Byrne.
The celebrities will each be teamed up with one professional dance partner, who will train them in the art of dance and compete alongside them in their challenges, in the hope of lifting this year’s glitter-ball trophy.
Check out the celebs that are taking part below:
Kimberley Walsh
The Girls Aloud beauty will be hoping her time with the chart-topping band will help her with her moves on the dance floor.
The 30-year-old recently played Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, taking over from Amanda Holden.
Former Strictly Come Dancing star and current judge Alesha Dixon took to Twitter to wish the singer luck. She tweeted: "You will do amazing babe! And look stunning in all of your dresses! So excited for you! Mwahx."
Later adding: "You will have so much support! Enjoy every moment! :)x”
Victoria Pendleton
Olympic gold cyclist Victoria might have retired from the sport recently, but she’s determined to put those powerful legs and honed muscles to use on the Strictly dance floor.
Victoria didn’t beat around the bush about her desire to be on the show earlier this year; she said: “I can’t dance and I’ve always wanted to be able to, so I’d really enjoy that. Plus, I’ve been in sweaty Lycra for the last I don’t know how many years, so being in a sparkly frock and high heels really appeals to me,”
Dani Harmer
Dani, 23, is best known for bringing the character Tracy Beaker to life on the big and small screen – a role which has won her a BAFTA nomination.
She became the first confirmed Strictly Come Dancing 2012 contestant this week after news reports revealed that she had quit the Disco Inferno musical.
A BBC spokesman said: “We’re delighted Dani is on board for Strictly and, when booked, was 100% available.”
Michael Vaughan
The retired cricketer has racked up 18 test centuries and championships at national and county level and will no doubt be hoping for as much success on the dance floor as he had on the pitch.
Richard Arnold
As showbiz editor on Daybreak, Richard is more at home interviewing the elite A-list than on the dancefloor. It'll be fun seeing what moves he can deliver!
“I had to do it – Brucie called!” Richard joked.
Nicky Byrne
Nicky is used to being on the stage thanks to his global success with Westlife - but will he be find the same success with his dance moves?
“When Westlife were on Strictly, I remember looking at the contestants and seeing the fear in their eyes" said a seemingly nervous Nicky.
Louis Smith
The 23-year-old Olympic gymnast will certainly have no problem with the tough training schedule, having won two medals at this year’s Games
Denise Van Outen
Former Big Breakfast host, Denise Van Outen already has a pal on the show - she climbed Mounth Kilimanjaro with Kimberly Walsh back in 2009, but will her competitive streak overpower?
A source said: "Denise has loads of rhythm and she's superfit so she should be a great contestant," "She's never done ballroom before but she's certainly got the raw materials to wow on the dance floor."
Colin Salmon
The 49-year-old actor has starred in several of the James Bond films, but will he have what it takes to sizzle on the show?
Fern Britton
The 55-year-old is one of Britain’s favourite faces on TV and she's even had some previous dancing experience, having competed the 2010 Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing. Will she be the favourite?
Johnny Ball
The veteran TV presenter is the father of former Strictly contestant Zoe Ball, so he’ll likely be getting a few pointers from her in preparation for his assault on the dance floor.
Jerry Hall
International supermodel Jerry certainly has the svelte figure for the glitzy costumes - but will she have the moves too?
Lisa Riley
The 36-year-old found fame playing feisty barmaid Mandy Dingle in popular soap Emmerdale. Will she have what it takes to sashay her way to the top of the leader-board?
Sid Owen
Sid played Ricky Butcher for nearly 25 years until his exit from EastEnders in 2012, making him one of the most recognisable faces on TV - will Strictly have the same effect?
Strictly Come Dancing kicks off Saturday 15th at 6.30pm on BBC One as the loveable hosts, Tess Daley and Bruce Forsythe return to the show, so don’t miss it!