Fix row as EIGHT Strictly Come Dancing stars already have dance experience

HERE’S the clutch of celebrity contestants who will put on sequins and spandex for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. 

From actress Kym Marsh to eighties pop legend Matt Goss, fifteen new stars are poised to begin rehearsals for the BBC dance contests. 

But half already have a head start – with dance experience and years of training in their locker. 

In the past celebrities with a background in dance like Maisie Smith and Alexandra Burke have faced a backlash – with fans even going so far as to brand the show “fixed” in their favour.

Here Deputy TV Editor Felicity Cross looks at the Class of 22’ and analyses their cha-cha-chances on the dancefloor. 

MATT GOSS 

‘Bros’ legend

ANY Eighties pop star worth their salt has a heel flick, finger click and step ball change in their repertoire. The 53-year-old Bros singer says: “I’m excited, I’m nervous. I’m eating everything that’s favourable to spandex.” 

EXPERIENCED DANCER

Odds: 8/1

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HELEN SKELTON

Presenter

THE love split TV presenter, 39, is another fully trained “triple threat” and even has a dance title to her name – defeating 100 other competitors to win the Malta Open Dance Contest in 2008 with her friend, who is a wheelchair user, as a partner. 

EXPERIENCED DANCER

Odds: 6/1

ELLIE SIMMONDS

Legendary Paralympian

LEGENDARY Paralympian, 27, took to swimming like a duck to water, but she’s got nothing more than a weekend boogie on her dance card. She says: “I’m bursting with excitement! I’m a tad nervous too, well more than a tad . . . I’m absolutely petrified.”

NO DANCING

Odds: 8/1

WILL MELLOR 

Actor

Will, 46, has appeared on TV, in stage musicals and on performance show Comic Relief Does Fame Academy. An accomplished “triple threat”, he says: “It’s out of my comfort zone, but I’m doing it for my mum, as she’s had a really tough few years.”

EXPERIENCED DANCER

Odds: 8/1

JAYDE ADAMS

Comedian

 BETWEEN the ages of five and 17, Jayde, 37, took part in disco dancing competitions with her sister Jenna, a dancer. She has long wanted to be on Strictly to honour her sister, who died aged 28, and says: “I feel like I’m in a dream. It means so much.” 

DANCE TRAINING

Odds: 16/1

TYLER WEST

Radio presenter

HE might present a show called Flat Out Fabulous, but we shouldn’t expect too much of the radio presenter, 26. Tyler says just thinking about the show gave him cramp! Ouch. He adds: “I can’t wait to shake a leg on that dance floor. . . with a side of sequins.”

NOVICE DANCER

Odds: 8/1

KYM MARSH

Actress

Corrie and Waterloo Road star, Kym, 46, spent her youth in dance classes, later hitting the big time performing routines with Noughties pop band Hear’Say. She says: “I can’t believe I’m going to actually dance in front of the judges in a glittery dress.”

EXPERIENCED DANCER

Odds: 8/1

RICHIE ANDERSON

BBC Radio2 star

Richie, a Strictly superfan and Radio 2 star, 34, reckons he has no chance of replicating the pro dancers’ moves as he’s a self-confessed “Bambi on ice”. He says: “It’s an honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership. Inclusion is so important.”

NOVICE DANCER

 Odds: 14/1

ELLIE TAYLOR

Comedian

 THE ACTRESS and comic, 38, is dealy serious about her lack of skills. She says: “Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m over the moon to be a part of Strictly. I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe.”

DANCE NOVICE

Odds: 8/1

HAMZA YASSIN

Wildlife presenter

THE wildlife presenter, 32, says: “Never in a million years did I think I’d be on such a cool show. My dance skills are at the level of 1970s disco vibe, but I’m ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it ’til you make it!”

DANCE NOVICE

Odds: 5/9

FLEUR EAST

Pop star and radio presenter

POP star and radio host Fleur, 34, says: “I’m equally nervous and thrilled. I’m excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It’s such an honour to be on the show after years of watching.”

EXPERIENCED DANCER

Odds: 3/1

KAYE ADAMS

Loose Woman

THIS Loose Women favourite and TV journalist, 59, says: “I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can’t think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet on Strictly. Pray for me!” At those odds, she might need divine help.

NOVICE DANCER

Odds: 33/1

JAMES BYE

EastEnders actor

Like most of the stars who end up on Britain’s soaps, James has been trained in acting, singing and dancing at stage school.

DANCE TRAINING

Odds: 12/1

TONY ADAMS

Football legend

ARSENAL’S former no-nonsense defender and captain, 55, who was strong in the tackle, is unlikely to demonstrate any fancy footwork. 

Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. 

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year’s 20th anniversary season of Strictly Come Dancing. 

“I can’t wait to meet my partner – God help her – and start the dancing. It’s going to be such an amazing experience.”

NOVICE DANCER

Odds: 5/9

MOLLIE RAINFORD

CBBC star

MOLLY played a nimble-footed intergalactic pop star on CBBC’s Nova Jones, now the 21-year-old says: “I’m so excited to be part of Strictly, I’ve watched it for years and can’t wait to meet the pros and the others taking part. I can’t wait to learn the moves and get dancing.”

EXPERIENCED DANCER

Odds: 6/1

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