Natalie Anglesey guides us through an overview of the new celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2018.

If, like many of us, you’ve been suffering from Strictly deprivation, fear not because now you’ll be able to dust off your dancing shoes as Strictly Come Dancing waltzes back onto BBC One for its 16th series. Once again the hosts are the usual-but-popular combination of our own glamorous Tess Daly from Bolton and slightly kooky but lovable Claudia Winkleman. They are metaphorically rolling out the red carpet to welcome the celebrities of 2018 as they begin their ‘journey’ in Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch.

The announcement of the 15 celebrity contestants has already caused controversy, because some of them may be unfamiliar to us; but let’s give them a whirl as they make their grand entrance into the famous Strictly ballroom to discover which professional dancer will be their partner. Once the pairings have been announced, the celebrities and professionals will take to the dance floor for the very first time in a spectacular group performance.

Once again our ‘Queen of Latin’ Shirley Ballas, from the Wirral, returns as Head Judge. She knows her stuff and isn’t afraid to say so. The other judges are ex-ballerina, Dame Darcey Bussell, the exuberant Bruno Tonioli who always tries to be encouraging. There’s also outspoken Craig Revel Horwood, who has already been as controversial as he can about everything from their pay scale to same-sex couples dancing together on the show! As these experienced judges cast their eyes on the class of 2018 for the very first time, we wonder, will we agree with their decisions – or shout at the telly if we disagree? At the launch show, however, as usual they will be leaving their scoring paddles at home.

As you may have read, there could be a lack of sparkle this year because of the controversy over harming our sea-life, but the BBC wardrobe department I’m sure will rise to the occasion. The show opens with a spectacular red carpet event as the Strictly family dance to a medley of Nile Rodgers’ greatest hits performed by Chic and the man himself. Later in the show, Craig David and Stefflon Don will join Nile and Chic to perform their new single. So, as we take a brief look at the new contestants, remember to keep dancing – even if it is from the comfort of your couch. Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch is on Saturday 8 September on BBC One.

GIRLS

As you may have read, there could be a lack of sparkle this year because of the controversy over harming our sea-life, but the BBC wardrobe department I’m sure will rise to the occasion. The show opens with a spectacular red carpet event as the Strictly family dance to a medley of Nile Rodgers’ greatest hits performed by Chic and the man himself. Later in the show, Craig David and Stefflon Don will join Nile and Chic to perform their new single. So, as we take a brief look at the new contestants, remember to keep dancing – even if it is from the comfort of your couch. Strictly Come Dancing: The Launch is on Saturday 8 September on BBC One.

Faye Tozer

Singer Faye Tozer rose to fame in 1997 as a member of the hugely popular pop group Steps, known for an astonishing number of hits including the famous Tragedy with its expert hand choreography. She is delighted to put on her dancing shoes. “Being on Strictly is a dream came true and I promise to relish every moment.”

Ashley Roberts

Ashley Roberts first found fame in The Pussycat Dolls before leaving to pursue a solo career. She has popped up on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, The Jump, Dancing on Ice and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. ”I’m beyond excited and grateful to be part of the Strictly family.”

Stacey Dooley

Stacey Dooley is best known for presenting CBBC’s The Pets Factor and a series of hard-hitting investigative documentaries. “It’s happening! I’m taking part in Strictly and my mother is going to explode. See you on the dance floor.”

Lauren Steadman

Lauren Steadman is a double world- champion Paralympian athlete who has medals to prove it, finally winning silver at Rio in the Women’s PT4. She also has degrees in Business Management and Psychology. “I don’t think it has sunk in yet that I’m going to be on Strictly.”

Katie Piper

The first celebrity to be announced for 2018 was campaigner and presenter Katie Piper. After her horrific attack in 2008, the former model bravely decided to bring awareness to what burns victims have to deal with, by taking part in a documentary. “I’m nervous about doing Strictly because I have trouble even clapping in time, but I feel privileged and excited to be part of my favourite TV show. I can’t wait to show my girls my dance moves,” she smiled.

Kate Silverton

BBC newsreader Kate Silverton has fronted Breakfast News and the News at Ten. Now she’s swapped the newsroom for the ballroom. “I’m looking forward to the fun, laughter and all the challenges ahead,” she grinned.

Susannah Constantine

Susannah Constantine is a fashion journalist and author who pops up now and again on our television screens. “What can I say? I’m delighted of course.” No doubt she’ll have something to say about her costumes.

Vick Hope

If you don’t listen to Capital FM’s Breakfast Show you won’t know who Vick Hope is, so let’s wait and see. “I’m honoured to be on Strictly and I used to do contemporary dance where I’d pretend to be a tree or a rock.” As I said let’s wait and see!

BOYS

Dr Ranj Singh

I used to watch Dr Ranj Singh on CBeebies programmes before he turned up on This Morning – must be those eyebrows. He wanted to apologise to his parents and friends for keeping his Strictly involvement secret. “It’s been so hard because you are sworn to secrecy. Anyone who knows me knows that I love a bit of sparkle – so bring it on. My cheesy code name with my agent has been ‘old goat’ so he’s been calling me that all week.” At least he can tell him now to stop.

Seann Walsh

Comedian and actor Seann Walsh is best known for Jack Dee’s ITV sitcom Bad Move. He also makes appearances on shows like Live at the Apollo and 8 Out of 10 Cats. “Having seen videos of me dancing on friends’ phones from the night before, it’s safe to say I’m petrified, but also excited. I’m really looking forward to the lifts, the lycra and the laughs although, as Craig would probably say, ‘Dancing is no laughing matter dahhhling.’.”

Danny John

Popular actor Danny John-Jules is best known as Cat from Red Dwarf and lovable policeman Dwayne Myers from Death in Paradise. As well as dancing with the cast of Red Dwarf for Comic Relief, Danny also appears on the video of Wham’s single, The Edge of Heaven. ”A friend of mine worked in their offices and they were looking for a couple of dancers. I even choreographed a bit for them based on George Michael’s moves, not ours. I’m absolutely delighted at the chance of performing in glittery spandex.”

Lee Ryan

Former member of Blue, Lee Ryan turned to acting in EastEnders and is now hitting the gym in preparation for his latest challenge. ”I’m so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly line-up. It’s a real honour for me and I can’t wait to get on that dance floor. I was nervous even about saying ‘Yes’, but I’ve been boxing a lot to keep my weight down.”

Charles Venn

Charles Venn, also known as Chucky Venice, prides himself  on  keeping  fit and no doubt the Strictly wardrobe team will be able to help show  off  his physique. An actor, you may have seen him play Ray Dixon in Eastenders and Jacob Masters in Casualty. ”To be associated with a show which commands such high viewing figures both excites and alarms me.”

Joe Sugg

Joe Sugg is a vlogger and a YouTuber with – it’s claimed – 25 million followers online. Sounds like he will probably be doing both in the wings while waiting to perform. ”I’m honestly so chuffed to be involved in the show this year. I’m not going to lie: I’m very nervous about it, it’s totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge. But that’s what life is all about, I guess.”

Graeme Swann

One of England’s most famous cricketers and spin bowlers, Graeme Swann admits, “ I don’t have a background in dancing but can do the floss – so let’s hope this comes in useful. Keeping the news from my kids has been nearly impossible. They are huge fans of the show and I can’t wait to see their faces when I tell them.” Let’s hope he rises from the ashes to ace a spin on the dance floor.

Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One Saturday & Sunday Evenings