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The pairings for this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing have been announced as the show hit our screens in all its glittering glory this weekend.

The 14 celebrities were partnered up with their professional dancers in front of the cameras, allowing viewers to see their uncensored reactions for the very first time.

Lulu looked more than a little apprehensive about drawing Strictly bad boy Brendan Cole, jokingly backing away from him, before he threw the musical icon over his shoulder in a fireman's lift to lead her off stage. Rory Bremner on the other hand was clearly delighted to be paired up with Strictly stalwart Erin Boag.

Strictly favourite Anton du Beke will be dancing with Italian temptress Nancy Dell'Olio, whilst Robbie Savage hit the jackpot with his partner Ola Jordan.

Former MP Edwina Currie is partnered with Vincent Simone and Jason Donovan will be taking to the floor with Kristina Rihanoff, who was clearly delighted by the partnership.

Australian actress and singer Holly Valance will be competing for the title with last year's winner Artem Chigvintsev whilst The One Show host Alex Jones is sure to put up some stiff competition with her partner James Jordan.

Russell Grant's partnership with Flavia Cacace was clearly written in the stars, as was the pairing of towering boxer Audley Harrison and statuesque dancer Natalie Lowe.

McFly drummer Harry Judd will be dancing with Aliona Vilani, Dan Lobb has won the hand of Katya Virshilas while Anita Dobson will be waltzing with Robin Windsor.

Completing this year's line-up is the "single and ready to mingle" Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey with this year's only new professional dancer Pasha Kovalev.

The couples will now have three weeks to practice before their first live performance on either Friday 30 September or Saturday 1 October. Half the couples will take to the floor on the Friday with the remaining seven dancing on the Saturday. The couples will perform either a Waltz or the Cha-cha-cha.

Notes to Editors

Pictures from the launch show of the pairings are available to download from

Publicity Contacts:

Rick Behari, Communications Manager
Sir Bruce Forsyth
Tess Daly
Zoe Ball
Claudia Winkleman

Charlotte Inett, Publicist
Robbie Savage
Russell Grant
Nancy Dell'Olio
Alex Jones
Edwina Currie
Len Goodman
Bruno Tonioli

Selina Govan, Publicist
Harry Judd
Rory Bremner
Dan Lobb
Lulu
Chelsee Healey
Craig Revel-Horwood
Alesha Dixon

Edward Brody, Publicist
Jason Donovan
Audley Harrison
Holly Valance
Anita Dobson