Charles Venn

Casualty star Charles may be a releative unknown outside of the long-running show but that’s exactly why he’s one to watch. A big gym fan and an athletics nut, this guy could be really good.

Most likely to… get the first score of ten

Susannah Constantine

One half of early-noughties styling duo Trinny and Susannah, this is a feisty lady who will definitely wage war on the wardrobe department as well as on the dance floor. Expect fireworks as well as flamboyance.

Most likely to… clash with Craig and the rest of the judges

Lauren Steadman

Being an athlete may be an advantage when it comes to the dance training – but it doesn’t guarantee that training will pay off. Paralympic swimmer and triathlete Lauren will definitely put in a wholehearted effort, though, and that could see her through…

Most likely to… be the first to try flips and throws

Lee Ryan

Boyband dance routines might not be the best barometer of ability but regardless, Blue’s Lee can still keep a beat. Still, we think it’s his cheeky chappy persona that will win the crowd over.

Most likely to… be Bruno’s flirtatious favourite

Kate Silverton

Normally behind a desk delivering the news, Kate will be relishing the chance to get up and pull on her dancing shoes. Ever the professional, she’s sure to give it her all in training and on the live shows.

Most likely to… take it really seriously

Seann Walsh

There has to be one comedy act in Strictly every year but this time they’ve cut to the chase and gone straight for an actual comedian. Seann will be desperately hoping he’s not the butt of the joke.

Most likely to… be the first to hit the floor – literally

Ashley Roberts

Is being a professional dancer with the Pussycat Dolls cheating? Apparently Strictly doesn’t think so – and you can be sure Ashley will have to learn a whole lot of different moves if she’s to become this year’s champion.

Most likely to… suffer a shock early exit

Stacey Dooley

Stacey has presented programmes about violence, corruption, exploitation and the financial crisis – but will her investigative skills prepare her for coming under scrutiny from the judges? Well, she’s shown her versatility with CBBC show Show Me What You’re Made Of, and there’s no doubting her commitment to a cause. We’ve got high hopes!

Most likely to… be this year’s dark horse

Dr Ranj Singh

Fans of This Morning (and CBeebies’ Get Well Soon) will recognise Ranj, the chirpy doctor who is loved both for the sage advice he gives callers and his dazzling smile. The question is, can he dazzle the judges with his moves on the dance floor?

Most likely to… make mums across the country fall in love with him

Graeme Swann

The latest in a long line of cricketers to grace the Strictly dance floor, Graeme is one of England’s greatest ever spin bowlers and a two-time Ashes-winning hero. Cricketers have historically been very successful on the show – Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash both won the whole thing – so can Swanny make it a hat-trick?

Most likely to… either take home the trophy or be this year’s John Sergeant

Vick Hope

Listeners of Capital FM’s breakfast show will recognise her voice, but we’re going to be seeing a whole lot more of Vick’s face in the coming weeks. The 28-year-old Geordie went to Cambridge and can speak fluent French, Spanish and Portuguese. She’s clearly smart, but can she dance?

Most likely to… get knocked out in favour of a “joke” act, despite being a far better dancer

Joe Sugg

Joe’s the first ever YouTuber to appear on Strictly. He has more than eight million subscribers and over a billion video views on his ThatcherJoe channel… but is still largely unknown to anyone who isn’t a teenager. And crucially, very few of those videos involve dancing.

Most likely to… make everyone over the age of 35 extremely angry, purely by existing

Faye Tozer

Steps star Faye will be hoping her stint on the dance floor doesn’t end in tragedy. As well as bringing us beloved cheesy pop hits like “5, 6, 7, 8”, “One For Sorrow” and “Stomp”, Faye has also worked in musical theatre. She should be a natural, then...

Most likely to… dance to one of her own songs

Danny John-Jules

Danny is a genuine triple threat – actor, singer, dancer – but he’s best known for playing the Cat on Red Dwarf. As a veteran of the West End stage, a member of the original cast of Starlight Express and who once danced alongside George Michael in a Wham! video, Strictly should be a piece of cake for Danny, right?

Most likely to… win the dad vote

Katie Piper

Activist and TV presenter Katie has dedicated her life to raising awareness about burn victims after her ex-boyfriend attacked her with acid in 2008. She’s an inspiration to many for showing you can still be confident and outgoing with a visible skin condition.

Most likely to… become the nation’s sweetheart