Glitz and glamour returns to BBC1

BBC One puts the sparkle back into the weekend as Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly return to our screens this autumn for the fabulous sixth series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Last year over 12 million people tuned in to the live dance extravaganza to witness Alesha Dixon and Matt Di'Angelo battle it out in the final to be crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion 2007. In the end, it was Alesha who took the coveted title.

2008 looks set to be even more exciting with 16 new contestants – two more than last year – all warming up for their first showdown.

After months of speculation, the BBC is delighted to announce that taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year are:

For the women –

Christine Bleakley
Jodie Kidd
Cherie Lunghi
Heather Small
Lisa Snowdon
Rachel Stevens
Gillian Taylforth
Jessie Wallace

For the men –

Andrew Castle
Tom Chambers
Phil Daniels
Mark Foster
Austin Healey
Gary Rhodes
John Sergeant
Don Warrington

TV presenter Christine Bleakley will be dancing with Matthew Cutler; model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd dances with Ian Waite; actress Cherie Lunghi is partnered by James Jordan; singer Rachel Stevens is joined by Vincent Simone; singer Heather Small will be dancing with new professional Brian Fortuna; TV presenter and model Lisa Snowdon will be dancing with Brendan Cole. Actress Gillian Taylforth is joined by Anton du Beke, and actress Jessie Wallace dances with Darren Bennett.

For the men, TV presenter Andrew Castle will dance with Ola Jordan; actor Tom Chambers is partnered by Camilla Dallerup; actor Phil Daniels dances with Flavia Cacace and Olympic swimmer Mark Foster dances with new professional Hayley Holt. Rugby star Austin Healey is partnered by Erin Boag; chef Gary Rhodes is joined by Karen Hardy; political broadcaster and journalist John Sergeant dances with new professional Kristina Rihanoff and actor Don Warrington joins Lilia Kopylova on the dance floor.

Judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli also return to cast a professional eye over the competitors' performances.

Commenting on the new series Bruce Forsyth says: "The show is bigger than ever with 16 contestants. It's going to need stamina as well as style to become this year's champion.

"People often ask me to predict who'll win and I never do, but I've got a sixth sense about the sixth series. The winner will be a man… or a woman!"

Tess Daly says: "Strictly Come Dancing is probably one of the best things that's ever happened to me.

"Imagine a job where you've got a ringside seat at the best show in town, you get to wear the poshest of frocks and work alongside the legend that is Bruce Forsyth.

"Going to work is like a home from home and the Strictly team, from the cameramen and soundmen to the judges and the professional dancers are like an extended family and many have become friends.

"In fact, Strictly has become a real family affair for me and dinner at our house from now until Christmas will be in front of the telly with Claudia on It Takes Two."

She continues: "Everyone I talk to, from kids to grandparents, ask me about the show and once the series starts it's the main topic of conversation wherever I go, all anyone wants to talk about is Strictly and I love it.

"So here's to our sixth series being more exciting, dynamic and captivating than ever, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

"And remember, 'Keep dancing!' I bet Brucie beat me to that bit!"

Those who can't wait for the weekend can get their daily fix on BBC Two, when Claudia Winkleman returns with Strictly Come Dancing – It Takes Two.

She will bring viewers exclusive interviews, backstage gossip and footage from the training sessions, and once again bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing will have up-to-the-minute information on the show.

Tess says: "Don't forget, you can catch up with all the behind-the-scenes gossip and after-show action from the BBC bar – never a dull moment there! – in my Strictly blog, every Monday on our website, bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing."