Stars bring glitter to the ball...

The Strictly contestants show the much-needed sparkle coming to our screens – except HRVY, who is selfisolating with Covid. But who’s set to shine on the dancefloor?

Bill Bailey, 55

The comedian has always loved dance and even took some lessons as a boy but gave up after a while.

He is hoping for a “very patient” professional partner, saying: “I’m a very quick learner but might make a few mistakes along the way.”

Caroline Quentin, 60

The Men Behaving Badly star has been overwhelmed with support.

She said: “I’ve never, in 50 years of working in showbiz, had a reaction like it. In my local grocer, I got a round of applause when I went to buy some fruit.”

Ranvir Singh, 43

The Good Morning Britain political editor is “the least competitive person you’ve ever met”, she said.

Early ballet lessons ended when her teacher said she “lands like an elephant”. Her Strictly wish is for “really strong support underwear”.

JJ Chalmers, 33

The former marine turned TV host suffered terrible injuries from an IED while serving in Afghanistan.

“I got smashed to pieces,” he said. “I was fortunate to keep more or less all my body parts but none work the way they should.”

Jason Bell, 42

When the American footballer told his ex, Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle, about the show, she said: “Are you sure your back can do it?”

He says his sporting instincts will kick in on the dancefloor.

“I’m competitive,” he said.

Jamie Laing, 31

The Made in Chelsea favourite is back after a foot injury forced him out last year – and this time round he will be doing everything he can to stay safe.

“I really have to be careful,” he said. “I hate failing at stuff.”

Jacqui Smith, 57

The former politician’s biggest challenge will be “not really knowing how to dance”.

She’s had advice from former contestant Ed Balls but said: “I’m not sure that I would ever be able to match his Gangnam Style.”

Max George, 32

The singer and former The Wanted star admits he would not bet on himself to win.

He added: “If I can get past week one, then I’ll do as well as I can to get past week two. It’s going to be a massive challenge for me.”

Clara Amfo, 36

The Radio 1 DJ isn’t sure about her coordination.

“Ballroom scares the hell out of me, because I’m quite a clumsy person,” she said. “For me to be graceful takes a lot of concentration.”

She said the reaction to her taking part has been heartwarming. “It’s reminded me that sincerely lovely strangers still exist,” she added.

HRVY, 21

The YouTuber and singer is a big fan of another contestant.

He said: “I went to The Wanted’s last concert when I was younger – so it’s really cool that Max George is doing it.”

He is aiming high. “Obviously it’s the taking part that counts but I think everyone wants to go for gold. I’m going to put my heart into it.”

He reckons Maisie Smith is his main competition.

Maisie Smith, 19

The East-Enders actress says her dance partner is going to have his work cut out.

“They need to be able to put up with my craziness – I’m looking for someone that can handle me,” she said.

She is most excited about the glitz and glamour. “I can’t wait,” she added.

Nicola Adams, 37

The ex-boxer is thrilled to be the first person in a same-sex pairing on the show.

“It’s a brilliant step in the right direction,” she said.

Her family and girlfriend Ella told her she can’t dance. But she said: “I can learn. I’m going out there to prove them wrong.”