It’s almost time, folks! Strictly Come Dancing 2019 is just days away and we’re already ridiculously hyped for all the drama that’s about to unfold.
There have already been accidents on and off the dancefloor, but so far everyone’s still raring to go ahead of the first ever group performance and couple reveal this weekend.
(We’ve already got our thoughts on who’s getting who, if you’re interested in playing the prediction game too).
To tease us just a little more about what to expect, the stars have now put on the glitz to show off their first proper fabulous outfits.
So, to remind you just what to expect this season, meet your 2019 Strictly Come Dancing contestants….
David James
Footballer David James was a surprise addition to this year’s series, with the star admitting that Mark Foster (who took part in 2008) was the one who convinced him to do it.
Speaking on an Instagram video, David said: ‘He said it was so great and I had to do it. So here I am, with the glittery balls.’
Calling his signature move the YMCA, he revealed that he was hoping to lean into his classical music side.
Still no news on whether he’s going to get a snazzy haircut head of the first ever official competitive dance.
Michelle Visage
Michelle Visage is already used to the glitter and hairspray needed to get yourself ballroom ready.
Thanks to Drag Race, she should also be used to the sassy judges’ comments too.
Speaking on the announcement, Michelle said: ‘Getting to do Strictly in my favourite place on Earth is an actual DREAM! I’m so excited to show that being 50 doesn’t mean life stops.
‘Things may not work like they did when I was 20, but 50 also means “FABULOUS!”’
Chris Ramsey
Stand-up comedian Chris reckons his history in dealing with ‘utter humiliation’ thanks to his job will prove useful on the dancefloor.
Speaking on Instagram, he said that he hoped that he will become his own ‘dance icon’, which might prove easier said than done after his record of the first ever rehearsals.
He also told his wife Rosie on their shared podcast Shagged, Married, Annoyed that he doesn’t care who he’s matched with as long as they don’t yell at him too much.
Catherine Tyldesley
Corrie star Cath Tyldesley admits that dancing on live TV is the scariest thing she can think of, with her abilities around the same as Mr Bean.
Now that’s a dance-off we’d love to see.
She joked on Instagram her favourite move is Tragedy by Steps, with her acting skills coming in handy when ‘covering up a multitude of ever’.
But if she’s anything like her on-screen persona Eva Price, we know she’s going to tackle it all head on, and probably smash it.
Karim Zeroual
Karim is very clearly a Strictly fan, and is sure to bring in the kids for a fun-filled family Saturday night.
On the announcement, he declared: ‘I’m so excited to be Strictlified. I want THE LOT. The skimpiest of clothes, the widest of flares, the brightest of colours and the tallest Cuban heel a guy can find!
‘The more flamboyant the better… sequins galore please!!’
Be careful what you wish for there, Karim!
Alex Scott
Alex Scott has walked home with the Strictly for Sports Relief win last year and is already bookies favourite to take home the gold.
‘I am absolutely buzzing to be signed up to Strictly. It’s the show I’ve always wanted to do and I can’t believe I’m finally going to be part of it,’ she said on the announcement.
‘I’m super excited, but also terrified at the same time… The football pitch is a bit less glam than the ballroom, but I’m ready to try the sequins and dresses! Bring it on!’
Dev Griffin
He’s faced SAS: Who Dares Wins, can talk up a storm on the radio, but can he face Craig Revel-Horwood?
‘I just can’t believe I’m doing Strictly, it just doesn’t feel real yet!
‘It’s going to be so much fun, but just to be clear, I’m not doing this to take part, I’m totally in it to win it!
‘I can’t wait to meet my partner and start practicing.’
Anneka Rice
Anneka Rice is a TV legend, and decided to do the show because she was ‘feeling slightly reckless’ after her last son left university.
‘I’ve been asked before but I’ve said no up until now, because I can’t dance,’ she told the cameras.
Her main hopes on the show are to get down the main staircase in a graceful way, and to perform to Dusty Springfield’s I Only Wanna Be With You.
James Cracknell
James Cracknell is used to showing off his skills in a rowing boat – so will that hand-eye coordination be any use to him in the Strictly competition?
Apparently not – because James doesn’t sound too sure of himself.
He said of the announcement: ‘Having spent so many years mucking around in a rowing boat with big men in tight lycra, it’s time I learned a new skill.
‘I need to apologise to my kids in advance for the embarrassment.’
Emma Barton
Emma has been a leading lady in the annual dance specials for Children in Need by the Eastenders cast – but she’s still worried about how she’ll come off on Strictly.
On her announcement, Emma said: ‘I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business.’
Jamie Laing
Jamie Laing has already found himself in serious trouble after getting a nasty leg injury just days before rehearsals were due to start.
At the time of writing though, he’s still ready to go looking jazzy in a blue suit, and he told cameras he wants to go on the show to ‘make his mum proud’.
‘I’m ready for everything!’ he declared. ‘Let’s do this!’
For his dream song, he wants to perform to MMMBop by Hanson, and eventually become a good enough dancer to compete with Danny Zuko himself, John Travolta.
Viscountess Emma Weymouth
Viscountess Emma Weymouth has a lot on her hands as a TV chef, model and animal helper at her home in Longleat Safari Park.
‘I’m really, really, really looking forward to the onslaught of glitter,’ she laughed on Instagram. ‘Rhinestones and feathers and dresses…it’s so exciting!’
The star also said that her favourite dance move was something flowy and happy, so she should be a natural at some glidey-style ballroom.
Will Bayley
Will Bayley is a World Table Tennis Paralympic champion and is hoping to inspire others as he performs with condition athrogryposis.
A rare condition which affects all four of his limbs, athrogryposis causes curved and/or stiff joints and muscle weakness.
‘I have no dance experience at all, but I hope I can do well,’ he said.
‘I want to inspire people with a disability – that would mean a lot to me. I want to prove to people I can do this.’
Saffron Barker
Saffron Barker is the youngest participant this year, with the YouTuber doing it for her gran.
Dancing live on national TV scares me a lot because the difference is when I’m doing a YouTube video I can retake and retake, but live you only get one shot.
She wants to perform to Celine Dion’s Because You Loved Me, because it’s her nan’s favourite song.
Let’s hope she follows in the footsteps of last year’s YouTuber Joe Sugg and make it to the finale.
Mike Bushell
BBC Breakfast’s Mike Bushell is never one to stand down from a challenge – and has tested 500 different sports over his time as a presenter.
Now he’s adding ballroom dancing to his list of challenges after becoming the sixth celebrity confirmed for the show.
Having once accidentally fallen in a swimming pool on live TV, let’s hope he can stay standing on the dancefloor.
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