Strictly Come Dancing 2014: gallery of the glamorous line-up

ALISON HAMMOND
Age: 39
Best known for: Interviewing celebrities on This Morning
Have you done much dancing before?
I love dancing! I dance at home in the living room but I can only dance for like, one minute. I just need to up that to two minutes for this, don’t I?! I love dancing, I love music but I don’t know how to dance properly, how these guys dance, like the foxtrot and the salsa and samba and all that. Technically, I’m not a good dancer, no. I just throw some shapes on the dance floor and see how it goes.
Have you got any signature moves?
The running man. Although I’m not sure how that would fit into ballroom dancing?!
What do you think about the costumes? Are you prepared for the sparkle?
I love the costumes! To be honest, I’d be up for even more sparkle. I’d love even more gem stones. I’ll happily be covered in them.

CAROLINE FLACK
Age: 34
Best known for: Presenting the Xtra Factor
How are you feeling?
I am going through mixed emotions! I am getting myself geared up by watching old performances and that is making me really excited. But then when I have to go along and actually do things for the show I get really nervous, so I think that is a good mix. I feel balanced!
Have you done any special preparation?
Me and my boyfriend have done a bit of practice in the kitchen but that really is about it. The only problem is that my boyfriend is the worst dancer I have ever seen in my entire life! Although to be fair he really does try hard though even if he does move like a mosquito, haha!
Do you have any favourite moments from previous series?
I loved Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Charleston from last year so that was a highlight for me. Sophie was brilliant because she remained true to herself. And Vanessa Feltz’s Waltz made me cry.
Who will be supporting you this series? Family? Other celebs?
I’m not inviting my family and friends to the first show, I’ll be far too nervous! They can come to the second show!

FRANKIE BRIDGE
Age: 25
Best known for: being one fifth of The Saturdays
How are you feeling as we get closer to the launch?
So excited but I’m actually starting to get a bit nervous now. Now you start meeting everyone, it seems so much fun that I don’t want to go out – I want to stay in as long as possible.
Why did you sign up for Strictly Come Dancing?
I just love it. I watch it with my mum – all my family love it. For me, dancing is the best bit of what I do. I just love dancing. To learn something I’ve never learned before and get to do it every weekend – it’s just fun.
How do you feel about embracing fake tan and sequins?
Sequins in normal life – no – I’m not really a sequin person. But I can handle it on stage. And the tan? It depends on how brown they want me to go.
Who’ll be supporting you?
My mum will be there with bells on! And my Grandad – who says things like, ‘You know the rumba, Frank!’

GREGG WALLACE
Age: 49
Best known for: Masterchef
Why did you sign up for Strictly Come Dancing?
I love the show, it’s a huge show there is nothing bigger and actually I love to dance!
How do you rate your dancing skills?
I now realise after a bit of practice that there are no similarities between dancing and proper dancing. It’s as different as paddling and swimming in the channel!
What are your thoughts on sequins and fake tan?
I don’t mind a bit of fake tan, that doesn’t bother me at all. At my age I’ll take everything I can get!
Who will be supporting you throughout the series?
My beautiful girlfriend Anna, my mum, my kids and I think my girlfriend’s Italian parents will be too. Anna’s Nonna (grandmother) is a huge fan of the show so she will be screaming at the television too!

JAKE WOOD
Age: 42
Best known for: Playing Max Branning on EastEnders
Why did you sign up for Strictly Come Dancing?
It’s something that’s completely out of my comfort zone and I like a challenge. It’s such a great Saturday night show and my family always sits down and watches it together so I’m really happy to be involved and I think my kids will really enjoy watching me take part.
What are your thoughts on sequins and fake tan?
Bring it on! No, seriously I’m up for it all. I’ve signed up now and it’s part and parcel of the show, isn’t it? Yeah, bring it on!
Are you nervous about facing the judges?
No, I’m not nervous at all. They’re always positive and any criticism is usually constructive and it’s all for our benefit. I’ll take any criticism on board and work with it.

JENNIFER GIBNEY
Age: 57
Best known for: appearing as Mrs Brown’s daughter in Mrs Brown’s Boys
Why did you sign up for Strictly Come Dancing?
Because they asked me!
What are you expecting from the Strictly experience?
To have a lot of fun and hopefully to learn to dance.
Are you a competitive person?
You’d have to ask my family that question – I don’t think I can answer it honestly. I have been known to upend the odd Trivial Pursuit board in my time, but my family would probably be the better judge about that than me.
What are your thoughts on sequins and fake tan?
Yes, we had it every Tuesday on Mrs Brown’s Boys, we called it tanning Tuesday, I am used to it, I am going to embrace it.

JUDY MURRAY
Age: 54
Best known for: coaching her Wimbledon champion son Andy Murray
Have you done any special preparation?
I think from my coaching background I understand how people learn. I am coming into this as a complete novice. I will be careful with what I eat, try to go to the gym a bit more and I may even wear high heels around the house to get used to that but whoever the poor soul is that has to dance with me, it is all going to be down to him to teach me what to do!
What are you looking for in a dance partner?
When I watched the show in the past my favourite professional dancers were Ian Waite and Artem Chigvintsev. Neither of them are on the show this year but I really don’t mind at all who I dance with as they are all such unbelievable dancers. I guess the important thing is the height but more so I need someone who has a good sense of humour and who will be patient with me because I am such a rookie!
Who will be supporting you this series? Family? Other celebs?
When I am watching Strictly I identify with the people who are slightly older, or those who are starting from scratch. I loved watching Deborah Meaden and Fiona Fullerton in the last series. I also enjoyed watching Abbey going from a rookie start to being absolutely amazing. I hope the 50 something ladies out there will be able to identify with me and will be looking out for me.

MARK WRIGHT
Age: 27
Best known for: appearing on TOWIE
How are you feeling about doing Strictly this year?
Nervous, apprehensive, but so excited.
Why did you decide to do it?
I just think it’s something you can’t turn down. It’s an incredible show, the best show on telly. I’ve never danced before, learned anything like this in my life – it’s a huge challenge and if I can conquer it then I’ll be very happy.
Do you have any favourite moments from other series?
I liked it when Louis Smith did a backflip. I thought that was very daring. But then again he’s a natural gymnast. I can do a caterpillar at best!
How far do you want to get?
Genuinely if I don’t go out in the first three I’ll be ecstatic!

PIXIE LOTT
Age: 23
Best known for: singing
How are you feeling as the launch approaches?
I feel like it’s coming on really quick. It’s exciting to meet everyone for the first time. I’m looking forward to next week and seeing who my partner’s going to be.
How would you rate your own dancing skills?
I don’t know. I went to a performing arts school so we danced there, but music was my passion and took over. It will be fun to get back into dancing and learning a new type of dance.
What are your thoughts on the judges?
They make me nervous! I think they’re all great in their own way. My favourite is Darcey. She’s the only ballerina I’d heard of as a young girl. Ballet’s such a discipline – she got to the top of her game, which is amazing.

SCOTT MILLS
Age: 40
Best known for: DJing on Radio 1
What made you sign up to Strictly this year?
I signed up because I like to do something every year that makes me scared. As much as I say I don’t like being scared, I obviously do. Which makes me an adrenaline junkie! Four or five years ago I wouldn’t have considered it but I feel braver now. I did street dancing with Olly Murs on TV and the Sport Relief desert trek where we trekked across the desert in Kenya – I never thought I’d be able to do that. So here we are! That’s why I said yes. I don’t know whether I’ll live to regret it…
How do you rate your dancing skills?
Awful. Zero. Non-existent because I’ve never done it. But let’s find out, I might be brilliant!
And what are your views on the sequins and fake tans?
Fake tans, yes, sequins – I’ll get used to it.

SIMON WEBBE
Age: 36
Best known for: being a member of the boyband Blue
Why did you sign up to Strictly Come Dancing?
Well, Strictly is THE show to watch so I’m so happy to be a part of it. My daughter is a dancer and I really want to make her proud. I’m sure she’ll have a few tips to offer me! I’m also really looking forward to the challenge and I think the whole experience will really push me out of my comfort zone.
How do you rate your dancing skills?
Well, I’m a pretty good mover but the Strictly professional dancers are in a league of their own! In the past I have had to learn routines for my work with Blue but it takes me some time before I pick it up. That said, once I’ve got it, I’ve got it – unless my mind goes blank with nerves, of course, which is a possibility on Strictly!
Who will be supporting you throughout the series?
The Blue boys are behind me 100%. The family will of course be with me on this amazing journey and I’m hopeful to have my mum and little girl come along to watch as well.

STEVE BACKSHALL
Age: 41
Best known for: TV’s Deadly 60
How do you feel about the prospect of sparkle and fake tan?
My wardrobe consists of army surplus gear and old PE kit and that’s how I live my life. I own one suit and a couple of shirts and that’s it. I spent my summer on an expedition in the Arctic and I didn’t even change my clothes for over a month – that’s where my wardrobe tends to lie. And here I am, sparkling and shining. Every time I walk past a mirror or catch a glimpse of myself, I have to stop and do a doubletake and think ‘what on earth are you wearing?!’
Are you nervous about facing the judges?
I hope that I will be philosophical about their comments. If they are horrible about my dancing, I’m pretty sure that I’ll be able to take that and learn from it. I don’t think I’m going to be terribly upset by it. They know what they’re talking about. They have years and years of experience. And we live in the modern world – we have criticism all around us and being able to deal with it is an essential part of life so I’m not scared about the judges. I’m much more scared about the people who will be watching at home!
Are you hoping to reach a certain point in the competition?
I’m going step by step. It’s one of those things like with a big expedition or any big race, you don’t think ‘I’m going to go and run 150 miles’, you think ‘I’m going to run for an hour and have a break’. You set yourself achievable targets – that’s the only way that you can get ahead. I’m thinking about the first dance and that’s it.

SUNETRA SARKER
Age: 41
Best known for: playing Dr Zoe Hanna in Casualty
Why did you say yes to Strictly?
I didn’t! I was a complete no. I’d said no and it was a really easy no because I can’t do things like this, not at my age! Then people kept saying ‘have another think, reconsider’. My agent said the same and it was still a no. Then I said to my son Noah, that they asked me to do Strictly Come Dancing and he said excitedly ‘Are you going to do it?’ Still it was no because I said ‘you won’t see me at the weekends – that’s our special time. Do you really want me to do this?’ He said yes, it would be so good, that he’d love to see me dancing on a Saturday night. I was like, ‘Really?’ Then I rang my Mum who’s mad about dancing and she said ‘You’ve got to do it’ then my sister said ‘You want to do this secretly’. Everybody seemed to think I wanted to do it secretly. It was complete bullying!
What do you think of the judges?
I suppose it’s like any learning exercise – you get told off when you’re not doing well and you get patted on the back when you do. I suppose I’m just going to have to not give them too much reason for them to be too tough. I think Darcey is amazing. I like the look of Bruno and Len, but Craig is a bit scary.

THOM EVANS
Age: 29
Best known for: playing rugby for Scotland
Why have you signed up?
I’ve watched the show for the last couple of years and everyone involved, from the celebrities, to the dancers and the judges always look like they’re having such an amazing amount of fun and I always said to myself that if the opportunity presented itself, I would always take it.
Have you got any dance experience?
Absolutely no dancing whatsoever. Except that I’ve watched countless videos on Youtube – Youtube is great for that these days – and practised a couple of times in the mirror to get some of the certain styles and gestures!
Have you got anyone in particular who’ll be coming along to support you?
Hopefully my brother, who still plays rugby. Matt’s really enthusiastic about dancing. When we were younger we used to learn boy band moves. I should perhaps try to make out that we were slightly busier with our lives back then but we weren’t! Learning moves to impress the girls. My mum and dad love the show, they’re massive fans. All the family will be fighting to come along.

TIM WONNACOTT
Age: 61
Best known for: presenting Bargain Hunt
Why Strictly Come Dancing?
There are two million and one reasons why I’m doing Strictly. Two million people watch me do what I do on Bargain Hunt on daytime TV every day and this gives me a chance to show them another side. And the two-million-and-first reason is that my wife has never had the opportunity to dance ballroom with me because I don’t know how to do it. But this year is our 30th wedding anniversary and I would love to learn a few moves and unlock my inner dancer.
How do you feel about the costumes?
I’ve never had any spray tan applied to my body before so that will be a first. I’ve also never worn a garment that’s tightly fitted and covered in sequins, if I get one, that is. So far, from the outfits that have been produced for me to try on before starting the show, I’m very comfortable. They’re very nice quality clothes and I’m perfectly happy in them but when we get to the wilder and more extravagant outfits, let’s take a rain check then, shall we?! "

THE DANCERS
Aliona Vilani
Aliona Vilani lifted the glitter ball trophy back in 2011 with contestant Harry Judd. She began ballroom dancing in Russia at the age of 11 and as an all-round contender she specialises in Ten Dance (the five International Ballroom Dances and the five International Latin Dances) as well as salsa, hip-hop and jazz.
In 2001, Aliona was selected by the National Dance Congress to compete against the World Teams for the U.S. and in 2008, became part of the Dancing with the Stars Tour. Last year Aliona was paired with golfer Tony Jacklin.

Aljaz Skorjanec
Aljaz and his celebrity partner Abbey Clancy are the reigning Strictly Come Dancing champions.
Born in Slovenia, Aljaz took to the dance floor at the age of five, enjoying success in his home country where he won 19 Slovenian championships in ballroom and Latin. For over a decade, Aljaz has represented Slovenia in the World Latin and Ballroom Championships, and has also appeared in Slovenia’s Dancing with the Stars. In 2010, Aljaz joined the cast of Burn the Floor where he has since performed around the world as one of its leading males.

Anton Du Beke
Strictly favourite Anton specialises in ballroom dancing and has been performing since the age of 14. As a seasoned pro, Anton has appeared in every series of Strictly to date, but he is still yet to lift the glitterball trophy. Anton was memorably matched with former MP Ann Widdecombe, making it to the quarterfinals together in 2010. Last year he partnered actress Fiona Fullerton.

Brendan Cole
Kiwi Brendan specialises in all things Latin-American and began dancing at the age of six, going on to become the New Zealand and Asian Open Professional Champion. Brendan was the first dancer to lift the glitter ball trophy in series one with newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, and has also been a judge on the New Zealand version of Strictly. He and Anton are the longest serving professional dancers on Strictly, and last year Brendan reached the final with singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Iveta Lukosiute
Iveta returns to the Strictly ballroom, following her unforgettable partnership with actor Mark Benton in last year’s series.
A dancer from the age of six, Iveta is two times World Professional Champion in the waltz, cha cha, foxtrot, jive, quickstep, and tango to name a few and was a top finalist in So You Think You Can Dance. She is at the top of her field in the world of dance and has secured several international accolades including the world renowned Ten Dance Championships.

Janette Manrara
American Janette joined the Strictly Come Dancing family in 2013, when she partnered fashion designer Julian MacDonald.
Janette began performing in musical theatre at the age of 12. She worked for the largest Hispanic TV station, Univision, until the age of 18, and then at 19 she began her formal dance training, studying a variety of styles. Janette has performed with Jennifer Lopez at the 82nd Academy Awards and she was the principal dancer in the TV series and the live tour of Glee. Janette was a finalist in So You Think You Can Dance in the USA season five, before joining the cast of Burn the Floor at the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre in 2010.

Karen Hauer
Venezuelan-born Karen is back for a third series of Strictly Come Dancing. Karen joined the show in 2012, when she partnered Westlife’s Nicky Byrne and last year she danced with Hairy Biker Dave Myers.
After graduating from ‘Fame School’, LaGuardia High in New York, it wasn’t long before she was winning accolades including United Amateur American Rhythm National Champion, Professional World Mambo Champion and United States Professional Rising Star Champion. In 2009, Karen appeared in So You Think You Can Dance, before joining West End sensation Burn the Floor as a principal dancer.
Karen is engaged to her professional partner and fellow Strictly pro dancer, Kevin Clifton.

Kevin Clifton
‘Kevin from Grimsby’ returns to Strictly Come Dancing for a second year, following his success with presenter Susanna Reid in 2013.
Kevin is a former Youth World Number One and four-time British Latin Champion, who has won International Open titles across the globe. He trained in ballroom and Latin from an early age, taught by his parents, former World Champions Keith and Judy Clifton. Kevin made his musical theatre debut in 2010, starring in Dirty Dancing in the West End, and he has been a principal dancer of the Burn the Floor Dance Company for several years. Kevin is engaged to fellow Strictly professional Karen Hauer.

Kristina Rihanoff
Born in Siberia, Kristina was always passionate about Latin and Ballroom, and began dancing at a young age. She has won a multitude of competitions, and began teaching dance at the age of 16. As well as Strictly, she has been involved with Dancing with the Stars in the USA, and assisted with choreographing So You Think You Can Dance.
Outside of Strictly Kristina and professional partner Robin have been West Ends stars of phenomenal series Burn the Floor. Last year Kristina partnered former rugby star, Ben Cohen.

Natalie Lowe
Australia-born Natalie returns to Strictly Come Dancing, having missed last year’s competition due to injury. Natalie first joined the show in 2009, when she danced with Hollyoaks’ Ricky Whittle.
Australian-born Natalie was encouraged by her neighbours to start ballroom dancing at three years old and was representing her country just five years later. Natalie has swept every prestigious award available to her, maintaining her title of the Australian Professional New Vogue Champion 2005-2009. Natalie has an impressive track record on the show, winning the first series and coming second in three others.

Ola Jordan
Ola began dancing at the age of 12 in her native Poland, and by the age of 17 she had won the Open Polish Championship, going on to be placed in the Top 12 of the World Championships.
Joining the show in series four, she danced her way to Strictly victory in the seventh series with partner TV & radio presenter Chris Hollins, and in 2013 she won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with JLS singer JB Gill. Last year, she partnered actor Ashley Taylor-Dawson.

Pasha Kovalev
Siberian-born Pasha is back for his fourth series on Strictly Come Dancing. In 2012, he was a runner up in the competition with Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and last year, he danced with Countdown presenter Rachel Riley.
Since his early dancing days Pasha has gone from strength to strength; he was a finalist on the US version of So You Think You Can Dance, performed on Broadway, and starred in the West End’s Burn the Floor. He has also been a finalist as several US Open Ballroom Championships.

Trent Whiddon
Trent joins the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers this series, bringing stiff competition to this year’s contest; he is the Australian Professional Ten Dance Champion and is a two-time British Championships Latin finalist.
Trent began dancing at the age of seven and won numerous Australian youth and junior titles. Aged 17, he joined the cast of Burn the Floor as lead dancer and has spent twelve years with the company, including six years as the dance captain and company manager of the Broadway production.
He has also appeared on Dancing with the Stars in both Australia and the USA and has spent two seasons as a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia.

Tristan McManus
Ireland-born Tristan MacManus joins Strictly after three years as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars in America, where he most notably partnered Gladys Knight and Pamela Anderson.
Tristan began dancing his home of Bray, Co. Wicklow before competing around Europe, winning numerous juvenile, junior and amateur competitions. He has appeared in many successful stage shows including Dirty Dancing and Burn The Floor.