'We can't wait to get started'

As Strictly returns to BBC One, we chat to the celebrity contestants about rehearsals, nerves and dance moves.

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For those who can tell their Paso Doble from their Foxtrot, it's time to get ready to shimmy on the sofa again as Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens.

Over the course of 12 weeks, a star-studded lineup of contestants will tango, jive, salsa and quickstep alongside their professional partners. Judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke will once again take their seats, ready to scrutinise every step, turn and flourish.

Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the show returns for its 23rd series with a brand-new cast of celebrity hopefuls, all competing for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

The 15 celebrity contestants taking to the dancefloor this year are Olympian and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ER actor Alex Kingston, former footballer and football manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, Youtuber and podcaster George Clarke, Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, model and actor Ellie Gold-stein, former The Apprentice star and social media personality Thomas Skinner, former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison, actor and Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, Hollywood correspondent, author and broadcaster Ross King, sports presenter and former Lioness Karen Carney and Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope.