Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing

The new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' has six soap stars competing.

Former 'Hollyoaks' actresses Laila Rouass and Ali Bastian - who currently appears in 'The Bill' - and the soap's current star Ricky Whittle will be joined in the contest by ex-'EastEnders' actress Natalie Cassidy and Ricky Groves, who departs the BBC soap this week.

In addition, Craig Kelly, who plays 'Coronation Street' factory boss Luke Strong, will also compete.

Laila's former 'Footballers Wives' co-star Zoe Lucker has also been confirmed to take part in the show.

Several sports stars will be hoping to clinch the title of Strictly Come Dancing Champion 2009.

Former cricketer Phil Tuffnell - who has previously tasted reality show success when he won 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' in 2003 - racing legend Richard Dunwoody, boxing champion Joe Calzaghe, former women's world number one tennis player Martina Hingis and Olympic long jumper Jade Johnson will show off their competitive sides when the show returns.

Making up the rest of the contestants are 'Loose Women' host Lynda Bellingham, model Jo Wood, BBC Breakfast sports presenter Chris Hollins and TV presenter Rav Wilding.

In a format change, this year's BBC show will see the couples dance twice in their first week, with special shows airing on Fridays as well as the regular Saturday slot. Eight couples will compete for the first week, with the remaining stars showing off their skills a week later.

From week three the series will move to Saturday nights only and dances, voting and results will be combined into an extra-long episode.

'Strictly Come Dancing' celebrity contestants and their dance partners:

Ali Bastian and Brian Fortuna

Lynda Bellingham and Darren Bennett

Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff

Ricky Groves and Erin Boag

Martina Hingis and Matthew Cutler

Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan

Jade Johnson and Ian Waite

Rav Wilding and Aliona Vilani

Natalie Cassidy and Vincent Simone

Richard Dunwoody and Lilia Kopylova

Craig Kelly and Flavia Cacace

Zoe Lucker and James Jordan

Laila Rouass and Anton Du Beke

Phil Tufnell and Katya Virshilas

Ricky Whittle and Natalie Lowe

Jo Wood and Brendan Cole