Friday 21st September 2012

Strictly 2012 Line Up

We’re talking Strictly today on the show – what do you think of the new line-up ?

Colin Salmon:  The 49-year-old actor has starred in a number of TV shows including Prime Suspect, Soldier, Soldier and Doctor Who. Movie lovers might also recognise him from the Bond films Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day in which he played the character Charles Robinson.

Dani Harmer 23, is best known for bringing the character Tracy Beaker to life on the big and small screen – a role which has won her a BAFTA nomination. Dani also appeared as an extra in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and has recently turned her hand to singing, recording the theme song to CBBC’s Dani’s House.

Denise Van Outen burst onto screens on The Big Breakfast alongside Johnny Vaughan in 1997, a role which catapulted on her TV fame. Since then, the 38-year-old actress has enjoyed the stage role of Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago and, acted as a judge on Any Dream Will Do. The mum-of-one also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief in 2009 with fellow contestant Kimberley Walsh.

Fern Britton 55, is one of Britain’s favourite faces on TV, having worked on the likes of This Morning for 10 years, and Ready Steady Cook. Fern is also a novelist, having published her second novel Hidden Treasures in 2012. No stranger to Strictly, Fern has some previous dancing experience, having competed the 2010 Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing.

Johnny Ball is a veteran TV presenter and the father of former Strictly contestant Zoe Ball, so he’ll likely be getting a few pointers from her in preparation for his assault on the dance floor. As well as presenting shows including Play School, the 77-year-old has also written a number of children’s books on fun ways to learn which sell in over 30 countries, as well as producing educational stage musicals. He is also a prominent guest speaker.

Jerry Hall is an International supermodel. She has also acted in Tim Burton’s Batman movie and on stage, including a West End production of The Graduate. Jerry will likely know how to work her body to its maximum potential; so definitely one to watch out for!

Kimberley Walsh is a former Girls Aloud singer who may be hoping her time with the chart-topping band will help her with her moves on the dance floor. Sure to inject some glamour into this year’s series, Kimberley is no stranger to being on TV, having fronted her own music talk show Suck My Pop and acted as a judge on entertainment show Born to Shine. The 30-year-old has also appeared in Horrid Henry: The Movie and played Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, taking over from Amanda Holden.

Lisa Riley found fame playing feisty barmaid Mandy Dingle in popular soap Emmerdale. She also took over from Jeremy Beadle as the presenter of You’ve Been Framed in 1997 until 2002 and has had a number of stage and screen roles, including her part in the play The Naked Truth in 2009.

Louis Smith is an Olympic gymnast so will have no problem with flexibility issues or the tough training schedule a show like Strictly demands, having won two medals at this year’s 2012 Games.

Michael Vaughan is a retired cricketer. The 38-year-old has racked up 18 test centuries and championships at national and county level and will no doubt be hoping for as much success on the dance floor as he had on the pitch. Michael retired in 2009 and now works as a pundit and interview as well as a newspaper columnist.

Nicky Byrne was a member of Irish boy band Westlife before they spilt in 2011 to pursue their own projects. Having sold over 45 million records worldwide and accumulated 14 number-one UK alongside his band mates, he is no stranger to winning.

Richard Arnold is known as the ‘showbiz king’ so is more experienced at interviewing A-listers than doing the cha-cha. As well as acting as showbiz editor of Daybreak, Richard has also fronted shows including Soap Challenge, Loose Lips and The Planet’s Funniest Animals, as well as writing columns for Hello! magazine, Woman’s Own.

Sid Owen played hen pecked mechanic, Ricky Butcher for nearly 25 years until his exit from EastEnders in 2012, making him one of the most recognisable faces on TV. He’s also appeared in a number of other television dramas, including prison drama Bad Girls.

Victoria Pendleton is London 2012’s Olympic gold cyclist. Victoria might have retired from the sport recently, but she’s determined to put those powerful legs and honed muscles to use on the Strictly