This year’s line up is John Nellis, Lawrence Robb, Dani Dyer, Graeme Hall, Dame Sarah Storey, Tabby Stoecker, Lacey Turner, Chris Appleton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Delta Goodrem, Bethany Antonia, Melanie Walters, Cach Mercer, Jamie Winstone and Will Best.
And this year, don’t forget, there’s also a new look to the hosts with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking over from much loved, long-time presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly – interesting, big shoes to fill!
Thankfully, the judging panel remains the same – Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel-Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke!
Saturday’s opening spectacular includes a performance from all 15 celebrities and a welcome return for last year’s winner Karen Carney.
One of the best known celebrities is Lacey Turner, much loved for her roles as Stacey Slater in “EastEnders” and Molly Dawes in “Our Girl.”
She said: “I’m excited to learn something new and to be a part of this whole glittery shenanigan. But I am absolutely terrified and hoping that will go once I’m in the training room and I can get into it. I’m going to create a character that I can play on a Saturday night, as that’s the only way I’ll get out there I think!”
Stacy went on: “I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’ve just never been brave enough. I’ve had a friend do it every year, so I know how hard it is. A lot of my friends are physically fit, and they have been exhausted. So, whilst I’m not working on EastEnders this year, I thought it might be a good time to do it because I’m not sure I am physically or mentally fit enough to do both jobs at the same time as well as run a household with three feral children! ”
Is there a signature Turner dance move?
“All I’ve done on dance floors for the past 25 years is put my right arm up and point it in the air!,” she laughed. “I’m actually terrible with music. I’ve normally got the wrong words and I have no idea who sang it. But, my daughter’s favourite song is Ordinary by Alex Warren, so she really wants me to do a dance to that. And my son’s favourite is a song from Minions, so you never know it might be that for Movie Week!”
This year also sees a return for Dani Dyer who was forced to withdraw from last season’s show due to injury.
She said: “I seriously couldn’t be more excited to join. I cried when I got the call, I didn’t want to assume after everything that happened last year that I would get another chance. I can’t wait to finally get the opportunity to properly experience the Strictly journey. I am excited, nervous and emotional – all the feelings! But more than anything I can’t wait to get stuck in to learning how to dance and make the most of every single moment. As long as I don’t trip over my own feet I will be happy!”
Dani, who is married to West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, added: “I’m probably most nervous about getting out on that dancefloor for the first time and being judged! I’m quite sensitive and definitely my own biggest critic, I’ll probably overthink everything.
But if I’m really honest, my biggest fear is getting injured again. I’m going to do everything I can to look after myself, stay positive and just enjoy every moment of the experience. Doing the Quickstep definitely scares me a little…”
Does she have any backstage rituals to get her in the zone?
“I love a manifestation card and Jarrod’s mum Nat always gets me a good luck bracelet or a stone before I do anything, so I’m sure she will be doing the same for this and I will be putting them all in my dressing room!,” she laughed.
Well that’s it for now – don’t forget to put your best foot forward and I’ll catch you next week for some more TV chatter. Stay safe!
Author: Steve
Editor of Hartlepool Life and author of TV Life