Lights, camera, sequins, action
The 15 celebrity hopefuls get teamed up with their pros as the epic quest for the Beeb’s famous glitterball begins
In a swirl of sequins and a dazzle of diamantes, this year’s Strictly Come Dancing stars hit the floor for the first time last night.
After putting aside any last-minute nerves for a showstopping group routine, this year’s celebrities finally discovered their professional partner for the next 13 weeks, who will help them cha-cha-cha towards the coveted glitterball trophy.
But, despite being partnered with veteran dancer Kevin Clifton, Anneka Rice admits it could be a long battle to rid herself of two left feet, especially after suffering a bad accident in the lead up to launch night.
“I actually feel I need at least two partners to hold me up on either side,” said the 60-year-old presenter, who is this year’s oldest contestant.
“I do feel like I’m the dunce of the class. I was sacked from
ballet when I was about six because they said I was lumpy and uncoordinated with no rhythm. Since then I’ve literally never danced – no one I know has ever seen me dance, ever. Not at a disco, a pub or a wedding. I can’t even clap in time!
“For someone so sporty I’ve somehow gone my whole life without dance. So, I’m hoping Kevin can teach me to feel confident on the dance floor.” The mum-of-three, who presented reality game show Challenge Anneka from 1989 to 1995, admits she surprised herself by signing up for this year’s danceoff, saying it came at a time of change when she needed a new challenge, after her youngest son finished university.
She explained: “It was a decision that I would not have said yes to last year or any other year that I was asked. I think I just felt slightly reckless. Reckless, mad, insane!
“I think as you get older it’s quite nice to take on new challenges, too.” Last night, the BBC announced former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher will join the line-up to replace crocked celebrity Jamie Laing. He will now join the other stars honing their skills before the first live show in two weeks’ time.
But for former England goalkeeper David James, 49, the gym sessions started long before he slipped into his first sparkly outfit, having lost a stone in preparation for rehearsals. Paired with Nadiya Bychkova, he says his background in football could also give him the edge over his fellow dancers. He said: “When I was asked to do the show I thought it was quite similar to football – you have to train hard, learn new stuff and compete. All the basic elements are there.
“But it’s not about beating the other guys. It’s about us all doing the best we can and then leaving it to the public to vote and the judges.”
This year, alongside the celebrities, a new face joins the Strictly judging panel, with South African dancer Motsi Mabuse replacing former ballerina Darcey Bussell.