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Strictly Come Dancing 2019 official line-up revealed as 15 very different celebrities compete for the Glitterball
THE Sun today reveals ALL 15 hopefuls competing for the Glitterball in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Show bosses have ticked the right boxes in their line-up of celebrity dancers, with most contestants plucked from the same areas of showbiz and public life as previously.
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But at least there are new additions, in the form of an aristocrat and, at long last, a reality star.
Some celebrities who had been linked with this year’s series of Strictly have failed to make it on to the hallowed dancefloor, including Virgin Radio breakfast show host Chris Evans, comic Alan Carr and newsreader Huw Edwards, after they were unable to agree deals.
Of those taking part, ex-Corrie actress Catherine Tyldesley is the 6/1 favourite.
But who will you be cheering on to take the title held by Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton? Meet the – dance – class of 2019.
The soap siren - Catherine Tyldesley
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THE Corrie favourite, 35, had eyes on the West End after quitting Corrie last year – but the smart money was always going to be a stint on Strictly.
Show bookers regularly use soap stars to tick their glam box, such as Ali Bastian (2009), Tina O’Brien (2010) and Georgia May Foote (2015).
They usually go pretty far, which could seal her a spot on the touring musical of Grease with Peter Andre.
The funnyman - Chris Ramsey
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LAST year’s experiment with a young comedian did not quite go to plan, following Seann Walsh’s Kissgate scandal with his dance partner Katya Jones.
But bosses are giving it another go with Geordie Chris, 35.
Unlike Seann, the married dad of one does not appear to have the same lothario vibe – possibly due to his frequent admission that he looks like a lesbian.
The sportsman - David James
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GOALKEEPERS have a terrible record on Strictly.
They can’t even blame the glare from the sun, centre forwards stamping on their feet or a new type of ball.
Though the former Liverpool and West Ham stopper, 49, will be confident of doing better than England legend Peter Shilton (2010) and ex-Man Utd stopper Peter Schmeichel (2006).
The EastEnder - Emma Barton
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IT wouldn’t be Strictly without a representative from Albert Square, which has provided more than 20 contestants, including Jessie Wallace (2008) and Jake Wood (2014).
Emma, 42, who plays shop assistant Honey Mitchell, is the latest to get a soap sabbatical.
Funny how so many actors prefer the glitz of Strictly to filming on a freezing set at Elstree Studios alongside Ian Beale.
The reality star - Jamie Laing
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THIS is an actual first for Strictly after 17 series.
For so long, reality stars been swerved unless they have some credible TV presenting work on their CV – such as ex-Towie favourite Mark Wright in 2014.
Made In Chelsea’s Jamie, 30, has managed to break down those snobby barriers.
It’s funny how being the heir to the McVitie’s biscuit empire can lead to a rethink.
The unknown DJ - Dev Griffin
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LIKE Vick Hope last year, many fans had to Google Dev’s name to find out he is a DJ.
He has been on the Radio 1 circuit for years but usually only gets bumped up to the more glamorous slots as holiday cover.
He will need to get his personality across quickly to make an impression with viewers, who are unlikely to have listened to Radio 1 since the Eighties.
The in it to win it - James Cracknell
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PROBABLY the most fiercely competitive contestant in the show’s history.
The Olympic rower, 47, will be the absolute dream partner and will want to practise morning, noon and night. But mega-keen contestants do not always win over the public.
Just ask Gabby Logan (2007) and Iwan Thomas (2015).
Looking forward to seeing his face when he realises the winner is decided by popularity with viewers, not scores.
The inspiring woman - Alex Scott
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THE former England and Arsenal defender, 34, has made an impressive transition from women’s football to television punditry, even managing to impress Graeme Souness on Sky Sports.
Now it is her turn to face the feedback from the Strictly judges.
Sportswomen have an average record on Strictly, with Olympic track and field athlete Denise Lewis doing the best, coming second way back in 2004.
The kids' TV face - Karim Zeroual
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IF you have heard of this CBBC presenter, you are either jobless with a penchant for cartoons or your kids watch too much TV.
Now shows have shifted to digital channels, it is even harder for their hosts to convert to the mainstream.
Just ask Dr Ranj from last year, who only got noticed due to being on This Morning.
Bosses missed a trick not having Justin Fletcher, aka Mr Tumble.
The random American - Michelle Visage
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THE show is obsessed with having at least one contestant from across the Pond.
Usually they are female – Michelle Williams (2010), Anastacia (2016) and Ashley Roberts (2018) – and pretty good. But they never win.
Singer and TV host Michelle, 50, brings with her a huge gay following due to her link with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her voters just need to be in on Saturday.
The Paralympian - Will Bayley
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HE has a chance to become the most famous table tennis player since Forrest Gump.
The third Paralympian, 31, to feature in successive years after sprinter Jonnie Peacock (2017) and triathlete Lauren Steadman (2018).
Will was born with arthrogryposis, which affects all four of his limbs. What’s the betting he will be seen in a naff table tennis-themed routine?
The who are you? - Emma Weymouth
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ANOTHER first for Strictly – an actual aristocrat.
Who is going to vote for Emma Weymouth, 33, remains to be seen and she’ll start from scratch when it comes to building a following.
But the model, who is married to Longleat heir Viscount Weymouth, can at least take some comfort that catwalk skills can be taken to the ballroom, as in 2013, when Abbey Clancy was the winner.
The TV legend - Anneka Rice
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BOOKERS spent years trying to convince Treasure Hunt action girl Anneka, 60, to sign up.
There is always room for a small-screen veteran who is popular with older viewers, be it Carol Vorderman in 2004, Jimmy Tarbuck in 2006, Paul Daniels in 2010 or Johnny Ball in 2012.
It’s just a pity that after all those years chasing their signatures, they rarely progress more than half way.
The BBC sports guy - Mike Bushell
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IF only the Beeb was as generous with its elderly licence-fee payers as it is with sports presenters on BBC Breakfast.
Chris Hollins (2009) and Ore Oduba (2016) were both seen as random signings for the show before going on to win it and lifting the Glitterball.
In doing so, they expanded their CVs across the broadcaster.
Accident-prone Mike is looking to make it a hat-trick.
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The YouTuber - Saffron Barker
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VLOGGERS are a new trend with Strictly bookers, who are desperately trying to attract younger fans and boost the show on social media.
But Saffron is no Joe Sugg (2018), who has nearly four times as many followers at 21million.
But given Saffron is single going into the competition, there is a good chance she will end up dating her dance partner, like Joe did.
Strictly It Takes Two’s Zoe Ball asked ‘who?’ when bosses said they’d signed Saffron Barker
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