FIRST STEPS

As Strictly returns, LYNN RUSK chats to the latest contestants as they prepare to make their debut on the dance floor

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actor Ellie Goldstein, 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.

“It’s a baptism of fire” laughs Newcastle-born Vicky.

“We got the video back last night of our first rehearsal and in my head, I thought I looked like Swan Lake, and it was really graceful, and then I actually looked like some drunken bird being lifted out of a nightclub” the 37-year-old laughs.

Jimmy, 53, is taking the competition seriously. He says: “If you're going to put your name to it, you have to do it right. You have to really try.

“I still don’t know what my body can do, because the real training has yet to start.”

While Australian actor Stefan is familiar with Strictly, he admits it’s been a learning curve.

“I know all about the show, we have Dancing With The Stars in Australia, which is the same show, but it’s nowhere near as big” says the 66-year-old actor.