TV Story

07 January 2009 21:42 BST

Rachel Stevens among Strictly Come Dancing stars

Former S Club singer Rachel Stevens has been named in the lineup of new Strictly Come Dancing contestants.

Stevens will be putting on her dancing shoes alongside the likes of former M People lead singer Heather Small in the sixth series of the BBC hit.

Ex-England rugby player Austin Healey will be looking to follow in the footsteps of one-time rival Matt Dawson while Olympic swimmer Mark Foster - who carried the Great Britain flag in Beijing - is also signed up for the new season.

EastEnders actors Gillian Taylforth, Jessie Wallace and Phil Daniels are also involved in the 14-week series and veteran broadcaster John Sergeant, 64, will look to impress the judges with his moves.

Commenting on the new series presenter Bruce Forsyth said: "The show is bigger than ever with 16 contestants. It's going to need stamina as well as style to become this year's champion.

"People often ask me to predict who'll win and I never do, but I've got a sixth sense about the sixth series. The winner will be a man… or a woman!"

Forsyth's co-host Tess Daly added: "Strictly Come Dancing is probably one of the best things that's ever happened to me.

"Imagine a job where you've got a ringside seat at the best show in town, you get to wear the poshest of frocks and work alongside the legend that is Bruce Forsyth.

"Going to work is like a home from home and the Strictly team, from the cameramen and soundmen to the judges and the professional dancers are like an extended family and many have become friends."

Daly continued: "Here's to our sixth series being more exciting, dynamic and captivating than ever, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

"And remember, 'Keep dancing!' I bet Brucie beat me to that bit!"

The new series begins on BBC1 on Saturday September 20th

The full lineup of contestants for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing is:

Christine Bleakley
Andrew Castle
Tom Chambers
Phil Daniels
Mark Foster
Austin Healey
Jodie Kidd
Cherie Lunghi
Gary Rhodes
John Sergeant
Heather Small
Lisa Snowdon
Rachel Stevens
Gillian Taylforth
Jessie Wallace
Don Warrington

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