'Strictly Come Dancing', series 8: The Celebrities Revealed

Patsy Kensit; one of many celebrities hitting the dance floor

The BBC have confirmed the celebrity lineup for this year's Strictly Come Dancing, and it makes for encouraging reading: Anne Widdecombe (former-MP), Felicity Kendall (actress), Gavin Henson (rugby player), Goldie (musician/DJ), Jimi Mistry (actor), Kara Tointon (ex-EastEnders actress), Matt Baker (presenter), Michelle Williams (ex-Destiny's Child singer), Pamela Stephenson (psychologist, wife of Billy Connolly), Patsy Kensit (actress), Paul Daniels (magician), Peter Shilton (ex-England goalkeeper), Scott Maslen (EastEnders actor) and Tina O'Brien (ex-Coronation Street actress).

For the first time in a long time (perhaps ever?), I think most British people would know every single celebrity taking part in the show. And the mixture of talent is very good -- you have the funny "wild cards" (Widdecombe, Daniels, Shilton, Goldie), the middle-aged glamourpusses (Kendall, Stephenson, Kensit), the handsome hunks (Henson, Baker, Maslen, Mistry), and the sexy babes (Tointon, O'Brien, Williams) I already predict a good showing from Mistry (it's just a feeling -- does he have a Bollywood background?), Tointon (ballroom experience in Strictly's Comic Relief special) and Williams (dance/choreography background with Destiny's Child)

The celebs will be formally introduced and partnered with their professional dance partners this Saturday 11 September, during BBC1's red carpet Live Launch ceremony at 6.25pm. Series 8 will begin properly a few weeks later on 1 and 2 October. Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly will again be presenting the show, with Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tolioni all back to pass judgement.

It's also been announced that Bruce Forsyth won't co-present the Sunday night results shows this year, with Claudia Winkleman covering that role. The BBC are also working closely with ITV to ensure Strictly won't clash with X Factor this year, in light of numerous viewer complaints and the fact Strictly always lost against its arch-rival.

Mark Linsey, Controller of BBC Entertainment Commissioning:

"It's fantastic to be bringing Strictly back for it's eighth series with even more glamour and excitement than ever before. This year we have a fantastic line-up of celebrities and more spectacular dancing than ever before -- a red carpet launch is the perfect way to start the show."

Are you looking forward to Strictly Come Dancing this year? Have you always hated the show? Have you gone off it in recent years? Do you just prefer X Factor? Do you prefer the US version, Dancing With The Stars? Will the caliber of these celebrities lure you in for a few weeks? Is Alesha Dixon back on merit as a judge, or because it would be too embarrassing to axe her so soon?

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