Strictly Come Dancing hopefuls tried to control their nerves as they prepared to take their first steps on the dance floor.Donning satin, sequins and spray-on tan, the contestants - including McFly's Harry Judd and soap stars Jason Donovan and Holly Valance - shimmied along the red carpet in vibrant outfits.
They were there to film the launch show at BBC TV Centre in west London, where they also met their partners for the competition. "My band mates think it's hilarious, absolutely hilarious. They are here to watch and laugh, so I'm hoping I don't catch their eye during my dance," admitted Harry. The 25-year-old drummer doesn't mind which of the glam ladies he is partnered with: "Any of them. We've met them earlier and been rehearsing with them - they're all incredible and lovely.
"Singer and actress Holly Valance and TV presenter Alex Jones both wore skimpy mini-dresses while Waterloo Road's Chelsee Healey went for a hot pants and bustier combination.Chelsee said: "I'm really nervous but I'm excited. I'm looking forward to the dancing, the outfits, everything really."
The One Show presenter Alex revealed how fellow host Matt Baker has offered plenty of tips. "Matt hasn't stopped with the advice - what to eat, how to balance on one foot, when to go to bed. He's been amazing. He's kind of living the experience through me," she said.
Rory Bremner, Russell Grant, Dan Lobb, Nancy Dell'Olio, Audley Harrison, Lulu and Anita Dobson are also participating in the dance show.
The launch show will be screened on BBC One on Saturday evening.
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