Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Who’s Who

Holly Valance (partner: Artem Chigvintsev)

Who is she? Flick from Neighbours, former saucy pop star, men’s magazine staple and
proud of it.

How will she do? Looks to have decent dancing ability but she’ll have to play down her overt sexiness if she’s to get the vote of Middle England.

Robbie Savage (partner: Ola Jordan)

Who is he? Ex-footballer. Famous for kicking people and being a bit of a drama queen. Now a media pundit. On Saturday he was live on ESPN while the pre-recorded Strictly aired.

How will he do? He’s not known for his lightness of touch, but his ego is such that he’ll not want to look a fool.

Edwina Currie (partner: Vincent Simone)

Who is she? Conservative former minister, secret lover of John Major, egg-botherer.

How will she do? No worse than Ann Widdecombe.

Nancy Dell’Olio (partner: Anton Du Beke)

Who is she? Excellent question. She thinks she is the most famous Italian in Britain other than Sophia Loren. In fact, she’s tabloid fodder because she dated Sven-Goran Eriksson while he was England manager.

How will she do? She has no natural fan base and doesn’t seem to be much fun. All that’ll keep her in is the Great British Public’s wish to torment Anton Du Beke.

Jason Donovan (partner: Kristina Rihanoff)

Who is he? Scott from Neighbours, 80s pop star, former lover of Kylie Minogue, and West End leading man.

How will he do? He seems intensely competitive if not blessed with natural ability. Nostalgia will keep him in for a good while yet. Strictly viewers have loyalty to their Neighbours alumni (not like those fickle Dancing on Ice viewers who voted Craig McLachlan out in the first week).

Audley Harrison (partner: Natalie Lowe)

Who is he? Olympic boxing gold medallist, failed dismally when he turned pro.

How will he do? As all Strictly fans know, it’s tough for tall men to dance. Boxing fans bear a grudge for his dismal display against David Haye this time last year, but they’re not really the Strictly voting demographic.

Russell Grant (partner: Flavia Cacace)

Who is he? Astrologer and narrator of The Rocky Horror Show.

How will he do? He may be a surprise to us. He’s desperate to throw himself in to the show whole-heartedly, and though he was hamming it up a little, he managed to act his way through the group dance in the launch show without looking too embarrassed.

Dan Lobb (partner: Katya Virshilas)

Who is he? Former tennis pro, ex-Sky Sports presenter, now Daybreak sports editor.

How will he do? The most obvious crush object for ladies of a certain age, he’s endearingly shy about this whole dancing thing. He’ll need to overcome that to get decent marks.

Harry Judd (partner: Aliona Vilani)

Who is he? Drummer in McFly; former contestant on the Strictly Children in Need special.

How will he do? Well, he’s got the “ringer” accusations being thrown at him already. He’s certainly got a head start but Aliona’s terrible choreography could make a reappearance.

Alex Jones (partner: James Jordan)

Who is she? Presenter of The One Show.

How will she do? She seems very sweet and has the mainstream appeal. James Jordan has managed to curb his bad-boy bullying temper in the past couple of years only when partnered with older ladies – will Alex be too docile to stand up to him?

Lulu (partner: Brendan Cole)

Who is she? Leather-lunged 60s singer with a brand-new face.

How will she do? Judging by her reaction, she’s not that keen on Brendan. If couples don’t get on, that’s never a sign they’ll do well in the competition.

Anita Dobson (partner: Robin Windsor)

Who is she? Queen of the Vic, star of the stage, wife of Brian May (apparently a career achievement according to the show).

How will she do? My tip to watch. She threw herself into the group routine with aplomb, has great ballroom hair, and seems to actually want to be there.

Rory Bremner (partner: Erin Boag)

Who is he? Impressionist. Or ‘approximationist’.

How will he do? He’s going to rely on comedy appeal to grab the votes, which won’t sit well with Erin – she’s a tough taskmistress.

Chelsee Healey (partner: Pasha)

Who is she? Not sure, really. Apparently she’s in Waterloo Road. She has tremendous breasts, if that helps?

How will she do? If she keeps wittering on about wanting a boyfriend, not very well.