Strictly comes back

17 September 2008 08:12am

When the leaves start falling and the nights draw in, you know it's time for another fix of sequins and glitter balls in Strictly Come Dancing.

Bruce Forsyth is back with his glamorous sidekick Tess Daly for the sixth series of the BBC One show, which boasts two more shows than last year, three new professional dancers and an impressive 16 couples.

As the contestants train hard and steady their nerves for the live shows, which begin on September 20, we size up some of the competition.

:: The chef: Gary Rhodes

Gary was inspired to take part after watching fellow chef James Martin get to week nine in series three, but he's realising it's not as easy as it looks.

"When I saw James, I thought 'Of course I can do that, I've got a bit of movement in me'. Forget it. Whatever I was doing before, this is a whole new experience."

:: The singer: Rachel Stevens

Former S Club 7 member and solo artist Rachel moved back from Los Angeles last year just in time to sign up for the show.

But Rachel, 30, who's paired with Italian Vincent Simone, says her career on stage hasn't prepared her in any way for the demands of Strictly.

"Oh my God! There's so much to learn," she moans.

"Obviously I've done dancing in the band and my solo stuff, but it's so different. It's very technical and there are so many things you have to think about."

:: The athlete: Mark Foster

He's only just returned from the Beijing Olympics, but the world champion swimmer is already hoping to add a dancing trophy to his cabinet.

"When I do anything, whether it's chess or golf or pool, I start off wanting to win," admits the toned 38-year-old, who carried the British flag at the Olympics' opening ceremony.

"I've learnt over the years that you don't always win and you learn to be a good loser. But the focus is always being the best you can be."

:: The model: Jodie Kidd

The polo-playing, race car-driving supermodel grew up watching her grandparents waltz around the ballroom and jumped at the chance to take part.

She's impressed by the glamorous ballroom gowns, mostly because there's no risk of a wardrobe malfunction.

"I've been down many a catwalk and thought 'Oh my God I'm about to fall out' and I've had to be sewn in. Whereas these outfits are quite revealing but you feel very safe in them and you're able to dance in them."

:: The soap star: Jessie Wallace

Jessie, best known for her role as Kat Slater in EastEnders, says she's concerned about viewers getting to know the real her.

"This is a chance for people to see me as me and not the characters I've played," she says.

Her No 1 fan will be her three-year-old daughter Tallulah.

:: The presenter: Lisa Snowdon

Best known for her relationship with Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney, model and Capital fm DJ presenter Lisa has been paired with Kiwi lothario Brendan Cole.

Lisa says she's not fazed by Brendan's reputation: "I hate to shatter it, but he's really sweet and he's not anything like anyone makes him out to be. He's actually in love, he's got a gorgeous girlfriend, so I'm here to dance. All I want from him is his dance moves."

:: The others

Other celebs taking part include former rugby international Austin Healy, TV presenter Andrew Castle, Holby City star Tom Chambers and former EastEnders Phil Daniels and Gillian Taylforth.

The line-up is completed by The One Show presenter Christine Bleakley, actress Cherie Lunghi, M People singer Heather Small, broadcaster John Sergeant and actor Don Warrington.

© The Press Association