Let’s get ready to rumba!
Strictly stars unveil their ballroom glitz
THE glorious summer may be nearly over but it looks like winter could be just as dazzling thanks to these Strictly stars.
They waltzed down the red carpet in and array of sparkling outfits at the show’s first event in London last night.
Katie Piper, 34, led the beaming band of hopefuls, dressed in a glitzy silver and pink ensemble.
EastEnders star Lee Ryan, 35, Paralympian Lauren Steadman, 25, BBC3 reporter Stacey Dooley, 32, and Steps Faye Tozer, 42, also wore stunning outfits.
Other contestants included Capital FM DJ Vick Hope, 28, What Not To Wear’s Susannah Constantine, 56, comedian Seann Walsh, 32, newsreader Kate Silverton, 48, cricketer Graeme Swann, 39, This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh and Casualty star Charles Venn, 45.
Former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, 36, spoke of her excitement at competing in this year’s Strictly. She said: “I’m already getting butterflies.”
Presenter Tess Daly, 49, wore a silver number while co-host Claudia Winkleman, 46, went for something a little less shiny in a
black suit. Red Dwarf and Death in Paradise star Danny John-Jules sashayed away in a green jacket.
He did not seem haunted by his recent tweet about Strictly, when he said they “always get rid of the black guy first”.
Danny previously said he was “absolutely delighted” to be getting into “glittery spandex”. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli joined in the fun as did professional dancers Dianne Buswell and Anton Du Beke. One of the big surprises of the night came as estranged husband and wife Kevin and Karen Clifton happily danced down the red carpet together. It put paid to the rumours that things might be awkward after their March split. The event at BBC Broadcasting House was the first time the contestants had all been seen together. They will not find out who they are paired with until Thursday’s launch show, which airs on September 8.