BBC unveils starrier new Strictly line-up

Ann Widdecombe and former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams (both pictured above) are among the devastating celebrity weapons with which the BBC hopes to win the autumn TV ratings battle.

The full line-up of 14 B-listers who will take part in Strictly Come Dancing was confirmed yesterday, as the BBC unveiled a starrier-than-usual roster of competitors with which it will take on its ITV rival The X Factor after regularly losing out to it in the ratings last autumn.

Other celebrity contestants include magician Paul Daniels, former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and DJ Goldie.

Joining them are psychologist Pamela Stephenson Connolly, Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien, and EastEnders actors Scott Masien and Kara Tointon, Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and East is East star Jimi Mistry.

As previously reported in July, actresses Patsy Kensit and Felicity Kendal and rugby player Gavin Henson have also signed up for the show.

Last year's Strictly line-up may have had two extra competitors, but it was widely regarded as lacklustre and underwhelming by both critics and many viewers, with the show regularly trounced by X Factor. BBC newsreader Chris Hollins was the eventual winner.

The BBC will kick off Strictly this weekend with a launch show that will see the celebrity competitors paired with their professional dancing partners on air. Claudia Winkelman will join regular presenter Tess Daly for the launch, with Bruce Forsyth limbering up for the series proper in three weeks' time. ·