Yahoo News 'Strictly Come Dancing 2019' reveals first-look photos of celebrity contestants
Ahead of the launch of this year’s series, Strictly Come Dancing has revealed first-look images of the celebrity contestants in their dancing attire.
With the latest series premiering this Saturday, the full line-up, consisting of 15 celebrities, are preparing to take to the dance floor with their professional partners.
Read more: BBC ‘completely open’ to same-sex Strictly couples in future
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will return as hosts of the BBC One show, while Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli will once again be taking their seats on the judging panel. They’ll also be joined by newcomer Motsi Mabuse.
With just a few days to go until the 2019 series kicks off, check out what the celebrities have had to say ahead of their Strictly journeys.
Alex Scott, ex-footballer turned pundit
"I am such a fan of the show. In 2012 I tweeted a picture of me at a photoshoot in a sequinned outfit saying 'Strictly, I'm waiting for my call up!' And someone pulled it out when they announced my name this year. I've been wanting to do this for so long. I'm a big music fan too – when I was playing for England and Arsenal I was the DJ of the squad. I want to learn how to dance and have that moment with some good music."
Anneka Rice, TV presenter
"I’m enjoying the build-up now it's out in the open. I kept it a secret all this time and I hadn’t even told my family. So when my sons contacted me having seen a press announcement, they presumed it was just a rumour and were ready to laugh it off... I have been blown over by their enthusiasm because they have been so positive."
Catherine Tyldesley, former Coronation Street actress
"I am a huge fan of the show. I’ve tried to watch it as much as I can since the first show... I want to prove to myself I can do it. I want to learn a new skill. I'm in complete awe of what dancers can do."
Emma Barton, EastEnders actress
"I am the biggest Strictly fan... It’s the best, it’s the classiest, and just one of the most well received show that you could do, so I would be really silly if I said no. You're learning such an amazing craft from the best people in the business, and you get to dress up in the gorgeous costumes. It was a no-brainer really."
Emma Thynn, Viscountess Weymouth, fashion model
"It's a dream come true to be on Strictly. I was honoured to be offered a place in the line-up. I said yes, in a heartbeat. I'm absolutely thrilled and excited. I love dance, passionately love dance and I massively regret not having trained. I am a totally blank canvas coming in and I cannot wait to be taught by the amazing professionals and team."
Michelle Visage, TV host
"I turned 50 (turning 51 on September 20) and I have done many, many things in my life, but I have never ballroom danced. Ballroom is something i have been obsessed with for years but have never taken a lesson! The tans, the hips, the fringe, the faces, the drama, my god I love it all."
Saffron Barker, YouTube star
"I'm looking forward to learning how to dance and trying on the dresses! It's an incredible thought that I could learn such an amazing skill while doing a TV show. It will be a challenge and I'm nervous about the live shows. Strictly will be a world away from the YouTube life I am used to."
Chris Ramsey, comedian
"When my manager told me they'd asked if I wanted to Strictly, I said 'oh my god yes!' I'd never considered that I could do something like this before. Then I went in for my practice dance and I wanted it more than ever. I loved the dance. I'd never danced before and I really enjoyed it. I’ve been properly swept into it and I’m really looking forward to the whole journey."
David James MBE, ex-footballer
"I have said no to celebrity shows previously and only ever done charity shows like Sports Relief. However, when my good friend Mark Foster told me how much he enjoyed the show, and how good everyone was, I changed my mind. Also, I love a challenge!"
Dev Griffin, DJ
"Im really looking forward to having a strict routine and also improving my fitness. You can't blag Strictly, you have to put the hard work in and really go for it and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in."
James Cracknell OBE
"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! "
Jamie Laing, Made in Chelsea star
"I really want to learn to dance. I want to have something to aim towards. That's what life is about. I have a direction of where I want to go and what I want to achieve – I just need to work my way back! I really want to win Strictly– and that's what I'm going to try to do."
Read more: Crashing out already? Jamie Laing's 'Strictly' future is in jeopardy
Karim Zeroual, kids TV host
"It's such an iconic show. I cannot wait to learn a new skill too. I've never done anything like Ballroom, Latin, Salsa or the Tango. Also I am so excited to get in the costumes! I want a wide flare and a tall Cuban heel… so I can add a couple of inches to my height."
Mike Bushell, BBC Breakfast sports correspondent
"Strictly has always been one of my favourite shows, it's one of the biggest, if not the biggest on British TV for the last decade... I'd like to inspire other people who maybe think that they can’t dance to get up off the sofa at the weekend and go and try something new, whether it's taking up dancing or maybe just getting up at the next disco or wedding."
Will Bayley MBE, Paralympian
"I want to fly the flag for disabled athletes – Jonnie Peacock and Lauren Steadman have done so amazingly on the show in previous years and I want to carry that on. I want to inspire others."
