Widdecombe hoping to waltz way to Strictly title

They are among the line-up for the eighth series of the hit ballroom show, which was announced yesterday.

And they couldn’t be more different, with Williams saying she was looking forward to learning some “sexy, sultry, seductive” moves while politician turned novelist Widdecombe wants “a nice gentle waltz”.

Rival soaps EastEnders and Coronation Street are also well represented and there are plenty of familiar faces from the world of sport and television.

Albert Square fans can cheer on Scott Maslen, best known as Jack Branning in the BBC1 soap, and Kara Tointon who played Dawn Swann.

Tina O’Brien, who played Sarah-Louise Platt before leaving Weatherfield for Waterloo Road, is another contestant revealed today.

She will be joined by Welsh rugby player – and Charlotte Church’s ex – Gavin Henson and former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Former gymnast turned television presenter Matt Baker could be among the early favourites but will be challenged by DJ Goldie, who has form in reality shows.

Veteran television magician Paul Daniels is one of the show’s oldest ever dancers at 72 – almost twice the age of 37-year-old Jimi Mistry, who is also set to appear.