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Felicity Kendal:

Felicity is theatrical royalty and one of the UK's most loved actresses. Timelessly charming she guarantees us warmth and humour. She is a "real" star whose performances will be unmissable.

What dance are you looking forward to the most?
There is no telling at the moment whether I will prefer ballroom or latin. It's the choreography and the speed of it that will be the problem, but I think I am rather keen on latin, and it will be a dance I rather like.

What are you looking for in a professional dancer?
I would say I am a slow learner but when I have got something then that's it. It's just whether my dance partner will have the patience!

What is giving you butterflies the most?
The only thing I am really worried about is going into the unknown. I just hope I do well on the first few dances, it would be such a shame if I fell over or got injured.

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The Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe

It was only a matter of time before an eminent politician agreed to take to the dance floor and Ann was the perfect choice. Judges take cover – totally outspoken, you know you are guaranteed the shock factor. Once Widdi has waltzed, ballroom will never be the same again.

What dance are you looking forward to the most?
A nice gentle waltz.

What are you looking for in a professional dancer?
The patience of Job.

What is giving you butterflies the most?
No butterflies to report – yet!

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Kara Tointon

Kara is a total babe. She oozes sex appeal and is bound to set the boys pulses racing.

What dance are you looking forward to the most?
Tango – there's something very seductive and powerful about that dance, and it's always fun to feel seductive and powerful from time to time.

What are you looking for in a professional dancer?
I think, for me, I'm looking for someone fun and I can have a giggle with but also slightly strict and keeps me in check – it might help me concentrate better.

What is giving you butterflies the most?
For me, I'm nervous about forgetting the steps or going blank, quite likely, in fact... that would be a nightmare on live TV!

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Patsy Kensit

Patsy has been a darling of the screen since her childhood. A life lived in the public eye, she is someone we never tire of finding out about and can't wait to see her on the dance floor.

What dance are you looking forward to the most?
I'm looking forward to all of them, I've never done any of them before so I'm excited to be learning something that I've never had any experience in before. But, if I had to choose... the Tango – its history is so interesting and it has such passion when you watch!

What are you looking for in a professional dancer?
Patience!

What is giving you butterflies the most?
The live shows and finishing Holby City around the same time! I'm going to be working so hard but I'm just so excited to be part of something so brilliant and head on a new personal journey.

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Tina O'Brien

Tina brings her own unique brand of sexy and cute. One of Corrie's favourite faces since she was 16 years old, this hard-working mum is somebody the nation loves and can relate to.

What dance are you looking forward to the most?
Anything like salsa. I love the music and the passion of the dance. It tells a story and it's great to watch.

What are you looking for in a professional dancer?
Someone with patience and understanding who is a natural teacher. As I'm a beginner it would be great to feel that I'm with someone who can guide me to learn the art of dance and help me pick up the steps quickly.

What is giving you butterflies the most?
The thought of the first live show!!

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Pamela Stephenson

From Not The 9 0'clock News funny girl to acclaimed Doctor of Psychology, Pamela is never one to be predictable. Stepping back into the spotlight, we'll always be wondering what she'll do next.

What dance are you looking forward to the most?
I love the cha-cha-cha – flirtatious, and cheeky in every sense of the word! Argentine tango is my favorite slow dance because it's seething with passion, and I also like a scalding hot, dirty salsa! Perhaps I was swapped at birth for someone latin!

What are you looking for in a professional dancer?
Whenever I've seen the show I always think the professional dancers are the real stars, and I've never seen one of them who was less than brilliant. I'd like a hottie of course, but most importantly someone who is a terrific choreographer and teacher, and can be patient with me. Beyond that he may have to be brave enough to ward off Billy's dagger looks and threatened Glaswegian head-butting if we seem too hot and heavy together!

What is giving you butterflies the most?
I've never done anything like this before. It's not my usual style of programme at all. It's not like me to display myself physically – at least not for many years – but I know I'm going to have to shake my butt in public. I'm very hard on myself about everything I do – I'm a bit of a perfectionist – so don't want to make a terrible mistake and let down myself and my partner.

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Michelle Williams

Grammy Award-winning Michelle brings A-list glamour and raises the bar. An international pop star she has performed alongside Beyonce in one of the biggest girl groups in the world, but will the glitter ball be her destiny?

What dance are you looking forward to the most?
I'm actually looking forward to all the latin dances, the sexy, sultry, seductive moves that I can add to my repertoire! I am also looking forward to the gracefulness of the waltz. I've never done the waltz in my life so that will be cool too! Maybe I can dance with Prince William one day after I've perfected a move or two?

What are you looking for in a professional dancer?
I'm looking for someone that I can have fun with and learn a lot from... hopefully they're ready to do the same. I am also looking to win and I want my partner to have the same spirit!

What is giving you butterflies the most?
What gives me butterflies is having to dance in front of so many people and stand in front of the judges' panel. No one likes to be judged but it's a competition, right?