Introducing the Strictly Come Dancing class of 2019! Soap star Catherine Tyldesley, YouTuber Saffron Barker, Drag Race favourite Michelle Visage and ex-Lioness Alex Scott dust off their dancing shoes in first official portraits

Dust off your dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing is waltzing back onto our screens for its 17th series.

The BBC One ballroom series returns with more sparkle, glitz and glamour than ever before, with soap star Catherine Tyldesley, YouTuber Saffron Barker, Drag Race favourite Michelle Visage and former Lioness defender Alex Scott MBE leading the glamour when the show returns on Saturday 7 September.

Also strutting their stuff on the dance floor this series are Viscountess Weymouth Emma Thynn, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, Paralympic table tennis player Will Bayley MBE, presenter Anneka Rice, rowing champion James Cracknell OBE, BBC Radio 1 host Dev Griffin, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual, sports broadcaster Mike Bushell, EastEnders star Emma Barton, comedian Chris Ramsey and former footballer David James MBE.

Get ready to rhumba! Strictly Come Dancing is waltzing back onto our screens for its 17th series, with soap star Catherine Tyldesley, YouTuber Saffron Barker, Drag Race favourite Michelle Visage and Former Lioness defender Alex Scott MBE (from left to right) leading the glamour in the new series

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host an exclusive premiere and roll out the red carpet to welcome the celebrity class of 2019 as they prepare to begin their Strictly adventure on Saturday 7 September at 7.15pm.

The 15 celebrity contestants will make their grand entrance from the red carpet into the famous Strictly ballroom to discover which professional dancer they will be paired with.

Once the pairings have been announced, the celebrities and professionals will take to the dancefloor for the very first time for a group performance, launching the new series in Strictly style.

Judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas return to the panel and will be casting their expert judgement every week.

This year, they will be joined by new judge Motsi Mabuse, who has been a judge on the German version of the show since 2011.

Hosting duties: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host an exclusive premiere and roll out the red carpet to welcome the celebrity class of 2019 as they prepare to begin their Strictly adventure on Saturday 7 September at 7.15pm

A long way from Chelsea: Former Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing is hoping to take home the Glitterball Trophy

Bringing the glamour: EastEnders star Emma Barton, presenter Anneka Rice and Viscountess Weymouth Emma Thynn (from left to right) will be taking to the dancefloor

World-class Latin dancer Nancy Xu joins the professional line-up this year alongside AJ Pritchard, Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Anton Du Beke, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Kevin Clifton, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones and Oti Mabuse.

Once the celebrities are paired up with their professional dancer, they will have two weeks to rehearse before returning to the ballroom to perform live to the nation every Saturday night.

Catherine discussed her nerves ahead of the launch, saying she is anxious about ‘waiting in the wings’ before her first performance.

The Coronation Street star, 35, has worked in front of the camera for years but will be firmly out of her comfort zone when she has to strut her stuff in front of the nation.

She said: ‘The thing I am most nervous about is waiting in those wings and hearing my name. I can’t begin to imagine the nerves.

One to watch: Rowing champion James Cracknell OBE is one of the most recognisable faces this year

Movers and shakers: CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual (left) and BBC Radio 1 host Dev Griffin (right) are competing in the series

‘I get nervous with any live television, but singing and presenting is more within my comfort zone. This will be so far removed from that.’

Catherine admitted she deliberately avoided dance classes when she was a child and her old teacher was shocked when she learned the actress had signed up for the show.

She said: ‘I am a huge fan of the show. I’ve tried to watch it as much as I can since the first show. But I also can’t dance.

‘I went to drama school but I never had the confidence to take part in the dance classes – often I’d avoid them completely.

‘I was a lot bigger than I am now and I just didn’t enjoy it. My old dance teacher was very surprised when she heard I was doing this! I want to prove to myself I can do it.

Twinkle toes: Comedian Chris Ramsey, TV favourite Jamie and former footballer David James MBE (from left to right) will delight fans

Suited and booted: Sports broadcaster Mike Bushell (left) and Paralympic table tennis player Will Bayley MBE (right) round off this year’s star-studded line-up

‘I want to learn a new skill. I’m in complete awe of what dancers can do.’

Alex, who played for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League and also represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, is one of the favourites this year.

Hitting back at criticism she had an unfair advantage due to winning the Sport Relief 2018 special, Alex said: ‘I only trained for a week for Strictly Sports Relief.

‘I can’t remember any of the steps! I was just copying! It did give me a taste for it though – I can’t wait to embrace every moment.’

Continuing the sporting theme, double Olympic gold medallist James will also be taking to the dance floor, admitting he’s very nervous.

Emma said: ‘One minute, I’m really raring to go and I can’t wait, but other times I’m petrified!’, while Anneka admitted, ‘My third son has left university and therefore I feel a great release of mothering duties. It’s made me feel a bit reckless this year’

Viscountess Emma admitted: ‘I was so nervous to tell anyone, I couldn’t tell my own mum. I didn’t tell anyone but my husband’

The rower hit the headlines earlier this year when he took part in the Boat Race, representing Cambridge against Oxford.

James joked: ‘I thought it was about time I learned to dance and also ditch my rowing lycra. But so far I haven’t been that successful at either – I appear to be a slow learner and, as for the lycra, it seems I’ll be wearing more than when I was rowing!’

Meanwhile, fellow sports legend David, 49, played for Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City before retiring in 2013.

Revealing he was starting with zero dance experience, he said of his strengths, ‘I don’t have a clue! I am totally out of my comfort zone. However, I love to learn and if I set my mind to something, I do it.’

TV presenter Anneka is another of this year’s Strictly cohort. Wearing a blue outfit in her promotional shot, she is the oldest contestant among this year’s crop.

Coronation Street favourite Catherine said: ‘I went to drama school but I never had the confidence to take part in the dance classes – often I’d avoid them completely’

Michelle revealed: ‘I have done many, many things in my life, but I have never ballroom danced’, while Saffron confessed fellow YouTuber and 2018 contestant Joe Sugg had been giving her advice

Anneka confessed empty nest syndrome had prompted her to be braver than ever before – finally accepting the offer from producers to take part after years of declining.

‘I feel a great release of mothering duties. It’s made me feel a bit reckless this year’, she explained. ‘[The thought of the costumes] horrifies me, I not interested in frilly or flouncy clothes at all!’

BBC sports presenter Mike is many bookmakers’ favourite to be first to get the boot. He said he would make up for a ‘lack of technical ability with energy’.

YouTube star Saffron is the youngest on the 2019 edition of Strictly Come Dancing, at the age of 19. The popular online vlogger has been making videos since 2015 and has more than 2.1 million subscribers on YouTube.

She said she’s been getting advice from a 2018 fan favourite, commenting, ‘Joe Sugg told me to just enjoy the moment. But it’ll be my mum who I look to for advice.’

History: Alex insisted she doesn’t have an advantage, saying, ‘I only trained for a week for Strictly Sports Relief. I can’t remember any of the steps! I was just copying!’

Made In Chelsea’s Jamie is another star in the Strictly line-up. The 30-year-old TV personality has also appeared in the soap Hollyoaks.

‘It’s my mum’s favourite show. It’s going to be the show she will actually watch me in! It makes her really happy’, he enthused.

He has sparked concern he could already be out of the competition after being spotted with a brace on his leg – but both Strictly bosses and Jamie’s representatives have declined to comment thus far.

Meanwhile, Viscountess Emma, wearing a pink dress in her promotional picture, was also announced as one of this year’s Strictly contestants. The socialite is 16/1 with most bookmakers to win the show.

Karim, who has been a CBBC presenter since 2014, said he cannot wait to be ‘Strictlified’.

Speaking out: ‘Obviously I’m 5’5 so I’m vertically challenged’, Mike said, admitting he doesn’t know who he’ll be paired with, while Paralympian Will commented, ‘I want to fly the flag for disabled athletes – Jonnie Peacock and Lauren Steadman have done so amazingly on the show’

Fans of the show: Chris, Dev and Karim (L-R) all said they loved the show and couldn’t turn down the opportunity

James joked: ‘I thought it was about time I learned to dance and also ditch my rowing lycra’, as David admitted, ‘I’m starting from zero, as a DJ, I was always behind the music’

After being announced as a contestant, RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle said she was ‘honoured to be a part of this legendary show’.

The 50-year-old is currently an outsider to win, according to the bookmakers.

Paralympian Will said he hopes his Strictly stint can inspire others. The table tennis star is currently ranked number one in the world in the sport.

Radio 1 DJ Dev is another of Strictly’s class of 2019. The 34-year-old hosts the weekend afternoon show on the station.

Soap star Emma is best known to audiences as Honey Mitchell in EastEnders and was among the first celebrities unveiled for this year’s Strictly.

She revealed: ‘From eighteen I did three years of musical theatre school so I do know some of the basics. However, I was the bottom of every dance class – that’s a true fact – so it will be great to start again.’

Comedian Chris was also one of the first names to be announced for this year’s competition and said he was ‘really buzzing’ about the opportunity.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2019: WHO ARE THE STARS?

Doing the funny fandango: Chris is known for his career in comedy

Name: Chris Ramsey

Age: 32

Famous for? Comedian and TV presenter

About Chris: With two series of The Chris Ramsey Show under his belt, he is also a regular face on other entertainment shows such as Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Live at the Comedy Store. He has also appeared on TV hosting Stand Up Central, and I’m a Celebrity: Extra Camp. In addition to his television work, Chris has also completed sell-out tours across the UK. Chris finished touring the UK last year with his 106 date stand-up tour Chris Ramsay Live 2018: The Just Happy To Get Out of the House Tour.

Chris says: ‘I’m both excited and absolutely terrified to be doing the show. You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table. All night. At my wedding I danced with my wife; that one song took about 6 months practice, and I definitely stood on her feet a couple of times. So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people… there better be a buffet after the live shows!’

Waltzing from Walford: Emma plays Honey Mitchell on EastEnders

Name: Emma Barton

Age: 42

Famous for? Playing Honey Mitchell in EastEnders from 2005 to 2008, then returning to the roll from 2014 to present.

About Emma:As well as many on screen roles, Emma is also an accomplished stage actress with theatre credits including: Roxie Hart in Chicago; Dolly in the National Theatre’s production of One Man Two Guvnors; Vera in Doctor in the House; Lily in Annie; Marty in Grease; Eileen in Over the Moon. She recently ran the London Marathon as one of Dame Barbara Windsor’s ‘Revolutionaries’, in aid of Dementia Revolution.

Emma says: ’As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening. I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business. So, I’m whipping off Honey’s Minute Mart tabard & diving right in to all the glitter & sparkle. From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor – I just can’t wait!’

From football to foxtrot: David is a goalkeeper, artist and pundit

Name: David James MBE

Age: 48

Famous for? Former England No.1 goalkeeper.

About David: Starting his career at Watford, David went on to play for a number of clubs including Liverpool, where he lifted the League Cup in 1994-95, and Portsmouth, whom he helped to FA Cup success in 2007-08. He amassed 53 caps for his country over an international career spanning 13 years and was first choice at both Euro 2004 and the 2010 World Cup. David, who has worked as a football analyst for the BBC & BT Sport, was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to football and charity, and hung up his boots in 2013 after finishing his career at Icelandic club IBV. Aside from football James has also modelled for Giorgio Armani and H&M as well as being an avid artist, and was the illustrator on the book Harry’s Magic Pockets: The Circus.

David says: ‘I’m really excited to be on Strictly this year. Not just competing against this year’s stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill, #LetsGetLive.’

From the Tube to the twist: Saffron Barker is a YouTube star

Name: Saffron Barker

Age: 19

Famous for? Boasts over two million YouTube subscribers

About Saffron: Famous for her blend of make up, shopping and challenge videos on YouTube, the teen has made an estimated $1million since she started to make videos in 2015. The released her book My Perfectly Filtered Life in 2018. Before kick starting her solo YouTube career in 2015, Saffron was a part of a girl band called ‘Born2Blush’ with friends Libby Whitehouse, Jazmine Tiley and Georgia McNarmara. The teenager only turned 19 a week before her Strictly announcement and lives at home with her mum, dad and three brothers.

Saffron says: ’Everyone keeps thinking I’m going to be really good. Sorry to disappoint everyone but I don’t think I’m going to be. I’d rate myself maybe a four, that’s not great!’

From the Rovers Return to the rumba: Former Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley

Name: Catherine Tyldesley

Age: 35

Famous for? Starring as Eva Price on Coronation Street from 2011-2018.

About Catherine: Hailing from Walkden, Greater Manchester, the stage and screen star’s acting credits include Holby City, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Sorted, Shameless and Trollied. She is best known for playing barmaid Eva Price on Corrie from 2011 until she left the role last summer to pursue different roles and spend more time with her young family. Catherine lives in Manchester with her personal trainer husband Tom Pitford and their son Alfie, four. Alongside acting, Catherine is a talented singer, releasing an album in 2016.

Catherine says: ’I’m thrilled to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show. It’ll be my biggest challenge to date as I’m not much of a dancer, but I’ve always wanted to learn the skill and the time feels right! I’m nervous as hell but super excited to work with such talented professionals. Hold onto your jazz shoes… mine is sure to be a bumpy/clumsy/fun ride!’

Breakfast to ballroom: BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell

Name: Mike Bushell

Age: 53

Famous for? Presenting the sports coverage on BBC Breakfast.

About Mike: The sports presenter has been working for the BBC for nearly 30 years, after first starting out as a trainee reporter on BBC Radio Solent. He moved to BBC Breakfast after working for the 24-hour News channel. He also made headlines after a hilarious gaffe saw him tumble into a swimming pool during a live segment for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Mike also holds the world record for crossing one mile of water in a large inflatable ball in 1 hour 57 seconds. He married second wife Emily in May 2019, and has three daughters from his first marriage.

Mike says: ‘I am so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve heard so many wonderful things from colleagues over the years so thrilled I’m now getting the chance. I know I will completely throw myself into the whole experience and I’m sure will love it from start to finish. I may have tried and profiled over 500 sports over the years in my Saturday morning BBC Breakfast slot but think the Strictly challenge could be the greatest. Bring on the glitter!’

From CBBC to cha cha cha: CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual

Name: Karim Zeroual

Age: 25

Famous for? Presenting CBBC and starring in The Sparticle Mystery.

About Karim: Karim is best known for his presenting duties on CBBC after joining the children’s television brand in 2014, he has also hosted BBC Young Dancer and Wimbledon Live. The talented 25-year-old is also currently filming a CBBC documentary, A Week to Beat the World. Karim rose to fame as a child in the West End, he has previously performed in the likes of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Far Pavillions and The Lion King. The presenter is also known for his acting credits after starring in EastEnders and as Sadiq in The Sparticle Mystery for three series from 2011 to 2015.

Karim says: ‘To be offered the chance to take part in Strictly is dumbfounding, I’m pinching myself! I’m so excited to be Strictlified. I want THE LOT. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heel a guy can find! The more flamboyant the better… sequins galore please!’

From Longleat to the Lindy Hop: Viscountess Weymouth Emma Thynn

Name: Viscountess Weymouth Emma Thynn

Age: 33

Famous for? Businesswoman, chef, model and philanthropist.

About Emma: Raised in South Kensington where she was head girl at Queen’s Gate School. She later attended University College London where she studied History of Art. Following her marriage in 2013 to Ceawlin Thynn, Viscount Weymouth, Emma became the chatelaine of the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire. In 2015 Emma launched ‘Emma’s Kitchen’ at Longleat, a space for her to share her love of food and cooking using the backdrop of the original kitchens within Longleat House. In addition, Emma is a contributing editor for British Vogue.

Emma says: ‘I absolutely love watching Strictly every weekend and I can’t believe that I’m getting the chance to be on this series. I know it will be such an amazing experience from start to finish. I can’t wait for the dancing and the fabulous outfits!’

Not dragging her heels: Michelle Visage is a RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant

Name: Michelle Visage

Age: 50

Famous for? RuPaul’s Drag Race judge and Celebrity Big Brother contestant

About Michelle: Michelle is a member of the band Seduction and appears as a judge on American reality competition RuPaul’s Drag Race, which she has featured on since season three. She has also featured on all seasons of the spin-off show RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Michelle will appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which is set to air on BBC Three this October. Michelle was also on the fifteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother finishing in fifth place. Most recently, she has appeared as a judge on the first two seasons of Ireland’s Got Talent. This year, Michelle made her West End debut as Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Michelle says: ‘I’m very excited! I’m over the moon to be on the show! I’ve loved it for years! I can’t wait to be dramatic. I’m a woman who is 50-years-old and people of an age say I cant do it anymore but we can!’

Going for gold! Table tennis star Will Bayley will be competing in Strictly 2019

Name: Will Bayley

Age: 31

Famous for? Paralympic gold medal-winning table tennis player

About Will: In January 2017 Will was awarded an MBE for services for Table Tennis and is currently training to defend his Paralympic title at the Tokyo 2020 games. He recently won Gold at the Japan Open 2019. Will has suffered from arthrogryposis since birth, a rare condition which affects all four of his limbs. Will is classified as a Class 7 Paralympic athlete and was one of the stars of London 2012 and Rio 2016 games, winning consecutive silver and gold medals.

Will says: ‘I’m so proud to be on the show, it’s my family’s favourite show. I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well. I want to inspire people with a disability – that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this.’

11th in line: Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing has joined the Strictly 2019 line-up

Name: Jamie Laing

Age: 30

Famous for? Long-running star of Made In Chelsea.

About Jamie: Jamie hosts the podcast Private Parts alongside actor-comedian Francis Boulle. Jamie has also appeared on Celebrity Hunted, The Great British Bakeoff and Famous and Fighting Crime. Jamie has appeared in the award-winning television series Made In Chelsea since 2011. As well as his media presence, Jamie is also a successful businessman, having founded the sweets brand Candy Kittens in 2012.

Jamie says: ‘I am beyond thrilled to be asked to be on Strictly, the only person potentially more thrilled is my mother. I have finally become the son she hoped for! I think I’ve got a little bit of rhythm but I went to Leeds University and I studied theatre and performance for the first year and I had to do contemporary dance. I spoke to a lot of people who had done it in the past and people said it’s the scariest thing they’ve ever done. But you have to challenge yourself. I’ve turned down other reality shows. I just want to make my mum proud.’

Challenge accepted! Anneka Rice will be back on Saturday night TV this autumn

Name: Anneka Rice

Age: 60

Famous for? TV shows Challenge Anneka and Treasure Hunt.

About Anneka: In 1982 Anneka became the jump-suited ‘skyrunner’ om Channel 4’s Treasure Hunt – leading to a BAFTA nomination and being bestowed with the Rear Of The Year award. Her next project, Challenge Anneka, was initially aired on BBC One and lasted from 1989-1995. It returned, on ITV, from 2006-2007. Prior to this, she adapted it in 2001 for US TV. It was branded Challenge America and hosted by Erin Brockovich. Anneka acted as a producer.

Anneka says: ‘I haven’t danced since I was 7 and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated. My family and friends haven’t seen me dance since, not at a wedding or round a handbag so it’s going to be a challenge for my partner. In fact I’ve asked for two, one on each side. I can’t see myself in a long frilly dress either. But I’m feeling recklessly excited. Strictly has always been my Autumn’s entertainment and now I’m part of it! My children will probably leave the country.’

DJ to Dance floor: Dev presents the Radio 1 Weekend Breakfast Show

Name: Dev Griffin

Age: 34

Famous for? Radio 1 DJ

About Dev: Dev presents the Radio 1 Weekend Breakfast Show having formerly fronted the Early Morning Show between September 2009- March 2014. He began his career as an actor, appearing in the likes of Emmerdale, The Bill and EastEnders. Dev was a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef in 2017.

Dev says: ‘I just can’t believe I’m doing Strictly, it just doesn’t feel real yet! It’s going to be so much fun, but just to be clear, I’m not doing this to take part, I’m totally in it to win it! I can’t wait to meet my partner and start practicing.’

Hot-footed: Alex represented Great Britain in football at the 2012 London Olympics

Name: Alex Scott

Age: 34

Famous for? Footballer

About Alex: Alex was a footballer who mostly played as a right-back for Arsenal in the FA WSL. She made 140 appearances for the English national team and also represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. Alex captained Arsenal – the team she signed for at the age of eight – and helped the club to a domestic double of the FA Women’s Cup and the FA Women’s Premier League, and remained a key figure when they won the quadruple in the 2006/07 season. Since her retirement last year, she has started a successful TV career on BBC and Sky Sports, and last August she became the first female Sky pundit on a Sky Sports’ Super Sunday, and made waves as a fresh addition to the BBC World Cup Commentary line up.

Alex Says: ‘I am absolutely buzzing to be signed up to Strictly. It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it. I’m super excited, but also terrified at the same time…! The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!’

Cracking on: Olympic rower James was banned from taking part in Strictly last year

Name: James Cracknell

Age: 47

Famous for? Olympic champion oarsman

About James: Olympic rower James was banned from taking part in Strictly Come Dancing last year by his wife because she was wary of the glamorous professional dancers – and the ‘Strictly Curse’ that has triggered a string of very public break-ups among the celebs. Now, just a month after being granted a divorce, the double Olympic champion oarsman has signed up as a contestant on this year’s series of the hit BBC show. His decision to take part in Britain’s biggest entertainment show comes just months after his split from Beverley Turner, his wife of 17 years who nursed him back to health after a near fatal brain injury. Beverley, 45, had previously refused to let him take part in the show because she ‘didn’t want him having some Russian f***y in his face every week’.

James says: ‘I’m really looking forward to being a part of Strictly this year. Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill. I need to apologise to my kids in advance for the embarrassment.’

Introducing the Strictly Come Dancing class of 2019! Soap star Catherine Tyldesley, YouTuber Saffron Barker, Drag Race favourite Michelle Visage and ex-Lioness Alex Scott dust off their dancing shoes in first official portraits have 5027 words, post on www.dailymail.co.uk at September 3, 2019. This is cached page on Business News. If you want remove this page, please contact us.

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STRICTLY COME DANCING 2019: WHO ARE THE STARS?