Strictly’s new line-up putting on the glitz
THEY have spent the past few days rehearsing and preparing for a gruelling three months of glitter, glamour and graft.
Yes, it’s that time of year again – the 15th series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to launch next Saturday week.
And yesterday the latest cohort of celebrity contestants tried on an array of outfits, enjoying the limelight as they posed together, laughing and joking.
TV star host Debbie McGee, 58, TV chef Simon Rimmer, 54, and 55-year-old broadcaster Rev Richard Coles peered from between some enormous blue and white plumes.
Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson, 32, Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins, 42, and 43-year-old actress Chizzy Akudolu showed off glittering dresses in black and gold.
Other pictures released by the BBC caught comedian Brian Conley, 58, pop star Aston Merrygold, 29, and Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, 24, larking about in their smart suits.
Sunday Brunch presenter Simon Rimmer said: “The minute you start it’s amazing. Everyone is so positive and upbeat.
“The professional dancers are fabulous. Just everybody is up for it. It’s been a fantastic week – I’ve absolutely loved it.”
Comedian Susan Calman, 42, in a joking Twitter post, said she had avoided the photoshoot because the “sight of me in a dress and heels is being kept secret lest the public become overwhelmed”.
The other six vying for the Glitter Ball trophy are singer-songwriter Mollie King, 30, EastEnders star Davood Ghadami, 35, broadcaster Ruth Langsford, 57, Holby City actor Joe McFadden, 41, and 29-year-old singer Alexandra Burke. The show will again be co-hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
On a sadder note, the opening show will feature a tribute to Strictly legend Sir Bruce Forsyth, who died at 89 earlier this month.