Information about the first Series of Strictly Come Dancing...

Are today's celebrities fleet of foot or do they have two left feet?

That's the question Bruce Forsyth and co-host Tess Daly will be finding the answer to when they present Strictly Come Dancing, beginning 15 May on BBC 1 and BBC 3.

The eight celebrities who have dared to pair up with some of the world's leading professional dancers are officially revealed today (Wednesday 21 April) as:

• Martin Offiah (Rugby Player)
• Lesley Garrett (Opera Singer)
• David Dickinson (Presenter)
• Verona Joseph (Actress - Jess Griffin in Holby City)
• Jason Wood (Comedian)
• Natasha Kaplinsky (Newsreader)
• Christopher Parker (Actor - Spencer Moon in EastEnders)
• Claire Sweeney (Actress/presenter)

Host Bruce Forsyth says: "I am delighted to have been asked to present Strictly Come Dancing and it will be so nice to have dancing of a different type on TV."

Each celebrity is given a professional dance partner who will put them through their paces during daily rehearsals, ensuring they're in the best possible shape for the live Saturday night performance on BBC 1.

Co-host Tess Daly says: "It's a dream come true to be working alongside two show business legends - Bruce Forsyth and Come Dancing.

"I can't wait to see how our dancers and celebrity partners get along."

But it's not as simple as it sounds - after the relative safety of week one, the partnerships will face a public and studio vote from week two onwards, with the lowest scoring team being knocked out.

In addition to a panel of studio judges, phonelines will be open for viewers to call and vote for who they believe has put in the best performance.

The result will then be taken from the average of these scores with all profits going towards Sport Relief.

By the final week, just two teams will remain as they compete to win the coveted crown of Strictly Come Dancing champions.

In addition to the weekly show on BBC 1, viewers will be able to track the teams' progress in a daily show on BBC 3.

There will be exclusive footage from the rehearsals and updates on training, as well as interviews with the contestants.

And for any wallflowers out there, an item called Dance-Mate promises to pair viewers up with other dance fans looking for a partner to tango with.

Head of BBC Entertainment Group, Wayne Garvie, said: "Strictly Come Dancing's a show that really does have something for everyone and for viewers of all ages.

"It's going to be really good fun and it's great to see someone of Bruce's calibre presenting."

Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Format Entertainment Production. The executive producer is Karen Smith.

All proceeds go to Sports Relief. For further information, please go to www.sportrelief.com. Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568.

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