Strictly between us – here’s who’s ready to strut their stuff...
It’s time to put on the fake tan and the sequins as Strictly Come Dancing returns. MARION McMULLEN looks at the stars hoping to shine
IT WAS an emotional moment when Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice lifted the Strictly Come Dancing glitterball trophy last year and now a new line-up of celebrities have their eye on the prize.
There are also new professional dancers to meet and judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse will get their first chance to assess the class of 2022’s form as they take to the floor in the BBC launch show on Friday.
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will reveal which professional dancers the celebs have been paired with on Friday, with the first live show the following night.
Here’s what the stars who are ready to dazzle have to say:
WILL MELLOR, 46 Hollyoaks and Coronation Street star
“Not going to lie, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but what life is all about.
“This is also my mum’s favourite show and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!”
KYM MARSH, 46 Actor, TV presenter and singer
“I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’m going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it’s unreal!”
HELEN SKELTON, 39 Countryfile star
“I’m really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.”
ELLIE TAYLOR, 38 Comedian, broadcaster, writer and actor
“Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! “I’m absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022.
“I’ve watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan.
“At the moment I’m focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe.”
TONY ADAMS, 55 Former England footballer and club manager
“To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. I can’t wait to meet my partner – God help her – and start the dancing.”
RICHIE ANDERSON, 32 Radio and TV presenter “I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world. Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.”
JAMES BYE, 38 EastEnders actor
“I’m not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes – in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it’s an honour to be asked and I’m going to give it my best shot.”
KAYE ADAMS, 59 Loose Women presenter
“I said I wanted to make the last year of my 50s memorable and I can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!”
JAYDE ADAMS, 37 Comedian and Alma’s Not Normal star
“Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like
every step I’ve taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly.
“I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family.”
ELLIE SIMMONDS, 27 Paralympic swimming champion
“Oh my gosh! I’m literally bursting with excitement!
“I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad... I’m absolutely petrified!
“To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
TYLER WEST, 26 TV presenter, radio host and DJ
“It’s a show that means so much to me and my family and I can’t wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins.”
MATT GOSS, 53 Singer and former Bros star
“I’m extremely nervous and excited, but
I’m optimistic because I’m very supple from the knees down.”
MOLLY RAINFORD, 21 Britain’s Got Talent finalist and CBBC star
“I’ve watched Strictly for years and can’t wait to meet the pros and the others taking part.
“I can’t wait to learn the moves and get dancing.”
FLEUR EAST, 34 Singer and X Factor star
“It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my father who loved it so much. “Unfortunately my dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I’m doing this to make him and my family proud and can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on.”
HAMZA YASSIN, 32 Wildlife host and cameraman
“Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show.
“I’ve been watching it for years and I can’t believe I’ll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public.
“My dance skills are currently at the level of ‘1970’s disco vibe’ but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ‘til you make it.” ■ Strictly Come Dancing launches on BBC1 on Friday at 7pm and the live shows start on Saturday, September 24