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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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.

Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the show’s 23rd series will see a brand-new cast of celebrities compete for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.

The 15 contestants taking to the dancefloor this year are Olympian and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Ary-eetey, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ER actor Alex Kingston, former footballer and football manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, East-Enders star Balvin-der Sopal, YouTu-ber and podcaster George Clarke, Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, model and 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.