Strictly waltzes back with sexy new line-up

No sooner are the London 2012 games over, than the much-loved dance marathon that is Strictly returns for its tenth series. And what an Olympian line-up this year… with two of London 2012’s stars cyclist Victoria Pendleton and gymnast Louis Smith signed up to strut their stuff.

At 74, former children’s TV host Johnny Ball (and father of Zoe Ball, host of Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two) is the oldest contestant ever to take part in the show.

Described by some as Strictly’s sexiest line-up ever, here’s the full list of all 14 contestants for 2012:

Richard Arnold, presenter and journalist (GMTV, Daybreak)

‘I’ve discovered that the Latin pants cut you higher than is faintly decent, and saw a muffin top in the mirror Delia would be proud of. It dawned on me that it’s not everyone who can carry off marabou under a mirror ball on a Saturday night.’
 

Johnny Ball, former children’s TV presenter

‘I would love to get a good few weeks in the run, to hopefully show the audiences what I can do, and how much fun I’m having, despite my age.’
 

Fern Britton, presenter (This Morning, Ready, Steady, Cook) and author

‘I’m ready to learn something new in life and the small taste of training I had for the Christmas special two years ago really excited me.’
 

Nicky Byrne, former Westlife band member

‘Raving in a club when I was 15 or 16 I’d say my dance skills were seven or eight out of ten. When it comes to Westlife dance routines, eight or nine, but ballroom dancing no idea, maybe a minus ten!’
 

Jerry Hall, model, actor and ex-wife of Mick Jagger

‘I hope my dance partner will be fun yet firm and tall enough to lead me! As the youngest and tallest of five girls, back in Texas, I always had to take the lead and be the guy’
 

Dani Harmer, actor (Tracy Beaker)

‘I’m quite a tomboy so I wouldn’t say I’m overly excited about the spray tan but I will embrace it and enjoy it. As for the sequins and glitter – I’m a girl, I can’t wait!’
 

Sid Owen, actor (EastEnders)

‘I’m so excited to do Strictly and to learn some moves, because if one day I ever do get married, I won’t look a numpty when I do my first dance.’
 

Victoria Pendleton, British cyclist

‘For me, retiring after the Olympics was always going to be hard to follow, and knowing what it’s like post competition when you feel a bit lost and a bit “what do I do now?” having something to focus on whether the result was good or bad at the Olympics was a great thing to do.’
 

Lisa Riley, actor (Emmerdale, Scott and Bailey), presenter (You’ve Been Framed)

‘In my career I always seem to play slappers and mingers… for the first time in my life I’m glamming it up – make up, costumers, the works!’
 

Colin Salmon, actor (Bond films, Resident Evil, Doctor Who)

‘I’ve always wanted to be a dancer when I was younger if I’m honest, so this is my opportunity. I love ballet and I often go to watch it – I have even seen Darcey dance before!’
 

Louis Smith, British gymnast

‘I don’t think being a gymnast means I’m going to do amazingly well. I’ll have to learn the routines and you can make mistakes, you can trip. I tried on the Latin dance shoes and nearly rolled my ankle!’
 

Denise Van Outen, presenter and actor

‘I can do the basics, I’ve got the basic dancing skills thanks to theatre school. But this is all really new to me and I haven’t danced properly for about 15 years… that’s what I worry about the most – people thinking I’m a dancer when I’m not.’
 

Michael Vaughan, former England cricket captain

‘I am here to prove that most cricketers are more like Phil Tufnell and can’t dance. Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash (two cricketers who won previous series) were amazing, Ramprakash in particular was a natural… maybe he could be my coach?!’
 

Kimberley Walsh, Girls Aloud band member

‘I asked my band mates before I signed up to it, and Cheryl basically told me I had to do it. She gave me no choice… they’re really supportive of the decision, so they’ll no doubt be coming down to cheer me on.’
 
The new series also sees the debut of ballet star Darcey Bussell on the judges’ panel, joining regulars Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman while Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly return as hosts.

Strictly Comes Dancing starts Saturday 15 September, 6.30pm, BBC1

What do you think of this year’s line up? Will you be watching? Let us know below.