Strictly Come Dancing: Who is taking part in this year's series?

01 Sept 2016

Daisy LoweAge: 27 Profession: Model and actress

"I'm so excited! And terrified," admits Daisy. "I love dancing so much. But I've never done any ballroom dancing before this."

"I'm so clumsy, so I'm sure I'll fall over a lot," she says. "I think the most embarrassing thing that could happen would be that I just freeze up and forget everything."

Tameka EmpsonAge: 39 Profession: Actress and Comedian

Tameka will be juggling her Strictly commitments with her EastEnders duties, as well as being mum to her two-year-old daughter Nylah. It'll be tough, but at least with Tameka, you can guarantee she’ll be doing it with a smile on her face.

Will YoungAge: 37 Profession: Singer and actor

"I really liked Emma Bunton, and enjoyed watching her excel on the show," says Will. "I thought last year's winner Jay was so beautiful to watch, and to see his confidence grow week in week out was brilliant."

AnastaciaAge: 47 Profession: Singer

Life's been turbulent for Anastacia. Since 2003, she's twice been diagnosed with breast cancer, and she's viewing Strictly as a stepping stone in her recovery.

"After my double mastectomy, it stripped away a part of me that I feel I would like to find again," she explains. "I have always been a fan of this TV show, admired each contestant year after year. This opportunity has come at a perfect time to help me use and get to know my upper body again."

As for how far she thinks she'll get, Anastacia has a definite goal in mind: "I would love to get the end. The idea of holding the Glitterball Trophy would be a BIG accomplishment after all I have been through."

And with her level of sheer resilience, it's easy to believe she might just do it.

Danny MacAge:28Profession:Actor

"I've always had the luxury of hiding behind characters when people see me," says Danny, "So going out there, on a dancefloor as myself in front of so many people really is terrifying!"

Luckily, Danny has a bit of insight thanks to a Hollyoaks castmate who's also taken on the Strictly challenge…

"I'm good friends with Ashley Taylor-Dawson who took part a couple of years ago. I know how hard he trained and how tough it was. But he seemed to have a great time."

Greg RutherfordAge:29 Profession:Athlete

Greg loves a challenge, having competed in the Great Sport Relief Bake Off and the Channel 4 immersive history series Time Crashers, as well as celebrity editions of The Cube and Million Pound Drop.

Strictly, however, is a very different beast indeed. His long jump experience means Greg's got precise footwork, determination, and a high level of fitness, but as for rhythm, pizzazz and salsa-friendly hips? We'll have to wait and see…

Lesley JosephAge: 70 Profession: Actress

Lesley is the oldest contestant this year, but she is determined to show these kids she's every bit as likely to lift the Glitterball Trophy as anyone.

"I can be very competitive when I want to be," she admits. "But I don't want to spoil the fun of Strictly. I want to enjoy the experience of learning and indulge in the fun of the show."

Melvin OdoomAge: 36 Profession: Presenter

"I already love dancing but Strictly seems like a completely different animal," says Melvin ahead of his epic challenge. "I have been going to the gym more, and running. Plus I have cut down on certain foods and drink. I miss cake so much!

"I'm really looking forward to learning all the new routines, working with the professional dancers, meeting the other contestants, the whole experience to be honest," he says.

"Being a DJ I always had a passion for music, and I think dance and music go hand in hand."

Naga MunchettyAge: 41 Profession: Journalist and TV presenter

"I am looking forward to learning something completely different," says Naga. "I've always enjoyed watching Strictly. It's a brilliant show and it’s lots of fun."

Naga is swapping early starts for Saturday nights; swapping sitting behind a desk for twirling on the dancefloor. And the costumes will be quite a depature too: "This will definitely be outside my comfort zone," she says. "I am a real tomboy – I don't wear dresses often. Outside of work I'm in jeans, jogging bottoms, and golf gear mostly."

Judge RinderAge:38 Profession:TV personality

Having run both the London and New York Marathons, his level of fitness is not to be underestimated. And you'd imagine that banging the gavel would give him a good sense of rhythm. Not to mention that sharp tongue to back-sass the judges with. All in all, it sounds like Judge Rinder is Strictly-ready!

Ed BallsAge: 49Profession:Former MP

Hopefully the high drama and back-and-forth bickering of the House of Commons has prepared Ed for the harsh critiques of our judges – he's also survived the scrutiny of Paul Hollywood when he took part in The Great Sport Relief Bake-Off, so surely Craig will be a breeze after that?

Ore OdubaAge: 29 Profession: Presenter

"When I got the call I became a jibbering mess," says Ore. "I'm more competitive with myself than anyone else. Always strive for perfection, even if it's completely unrealistic."

As a former hockey player and a keen skiier, Ore's pretty active. But it's not the physical challenge of Strictly that's lured him to take part – it's the wardrobe!

"There are three outfits I've always dreamt of one day wearing: Manchester United 1st team strip. The Batman suit. And a full sequinned number a la Strictly."

Claudia FragapaneAge:18 Profession: Gymnast

She's used to performing in spandex and sparkles; she can flip, twist and turn like a Strictly pro; and she's got a superhuman sense of rhythm. But Claudia is far from confident in her dancing prowess.

"I don't see myself in the final," she admits. "I just want to go there, enjoy it and challenge myself."

Louise RedknappAge: 41 Profession: Former pop star and TV presenter

"My house is full of competitive boys usually arguing over some kind of sport so I know it always ends in tears! I love to see other people do well, so not being overly competitive will probably be my biggest downfall in the competition."

Louise was a judge on two series of the BBC One show So You Think You Can Dance. Having a front row seat to such a wide range of dance styles will no doubt have been a benefit to her, but this time round, she's the one being judged.

"The judges are great and I really feel for them. I’ve been in their position as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance and it's tough – you have to manage people’s feelings and expectations whilst being fair and giving constructive critique."

Laura WhitmoreAge: 31 Profession: Presenter

"I never went to dance school but I love dancing. Anyone who has ever met me knows this," Laura says. "I just love the endorphins it releases and it ties in to my love of music. I am a bit of a silly dancer so I'm looking forward to a bit of discipline."