Though nerves may be rising amongst the celebrities taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing, there's one contestant who isn't too worried. Gold-medal winning Olympian Victoria Pendleton exclusively tells HELLO! magazine: "Compared to being in an Olympic final, I think I will be able to handle it," she says.
The pretty cyclist, who shows off her impressive abs in newly-released official shots of the contestants, says she is says Strictly will help to compensate for post-London 2012 blues. "After Beijing, I was like, ‘What do I do now?’ I’m looking forward to a bit of structure with the training because I’ve gone a bit cold turkey since the Olympics." While the Strictly contestants are used to being surrounded by celebrities, it’s the Olympians – gymnast Louis Smith is also taking part – who impress them most. "I’m just in complete awe," says Kimberley Walsh.
"They’ll ramp up the competition. Victoria will be able to do a cha cha cha without breaking sweat." Other contestants taking part include glamourous Texan Jerry Hall, 51, who cuts a striking figure in a dazzling green dress. "I love the costumes," she tells the magazine. "I went for my fitting and it was like drag queen heaven. I’m going to go for the whole look; lots of sparkle and diamonds between my thighs. "Read the exclusive interview with the dance show's movers and shakers in this week's HELLO! magazine, out now