Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Celebrities are paired with their professional partners

STRICTLY Come Dancing 2014 kicked off tonight and celebrities were welcomed to the stage with their professional partners.

Sir Bruce Forsyth made a surprise appearance when he handed over the baton to new presenter Claudia Winkleman – who joined forces with Tess Daly.

Viewers were also reunited with reality TV's favourite judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.

Check out the full list of celebrities and their dancing partners:

1. Judy Murray and Anton Du Beke 

 

 

Claudia Winkleman interviews a 'delighted' Judy and her partner Anton [PA]

Tennis coach Judy was paired with Anton and said she was "absolutely delighted" about the choice.

She said: "Strictly is a huge opportunity to show people my soft side."

2. Alison Hammond and Aljaz Skorjanec

 

 

Alison is over the moon to be with Abbey Clancy's old partner Aljaz [PA]

Aljaz, who won the contest last year with partner Abbey Clancy, was paired with This Morning presenter Alison. 

"We haven't even started and I'm already loving the Strictly bubble. I'm ready to bust some moves on the dance floor," she said.

3. Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan

 

 

Steve's pals said Ola would be the perfect match for him [PA]

TV wildlife host Steve was paired with Ola and was over the moon about the decision. 

"I have a friend who's a dancer and she said to me, 'You want Ola because she's a fantastic dancer and she can make anyone look good' - meaning 'even you'," he said.

4. Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani

 

 

Gregg looks slightly nervous as he leaves the stage with Aliona [PA]

Masterchef presenter Gregg will be strutting his stuff with Aliona.

"I am very happy because I know what an amazing dancer she is. I am really chuffed, I've watched Aliona dance and she is amazing," he gushed.

5. Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton

 

 

Yummy mummy Frankie can't wait to get her dancing shoes on with Kevin [PA]

The Saturdays singer Frankie was paired with Kevin – who said he was a fan of her music.

The mum-of-one – who is also going on tour this year – said: "I don't like to do things by halves, bring on the glitter."

6. Mark Wright and Karen Hauer

 

 

Michelle Keegan's fiancé Mark is ready to compete with Karen [PA]

Radio DJ and former TOWIE star Mark has been paired with Karen.

Michelle Keegan's fiancé said that he often gets called "Mark no moves" but insisted that he will "go for it" on the show.

7. Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon

 

 

Favourite to win Pixie stands out in a yellow dress with partner Trent [PA]

After being paired with trent, singer Pixie said: "We're best friends already.

"I'm excited for training, I can't wait."

8. Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole

 

 

Casualty actress Sunetra beams as she talks to Tess with her partner Brendan [PA]

Casualty actress Suntra, who said her mum is an Indian dancer, has been teamed up with Brendad.

"I definitely have two left feet at the moment," she said.

9. Tim Wonncott and Natalie Lowe 

 

Tim waves to the audience as he leaves the stage with Natalie [PA]

Bargain Hunt presenter Tim, who explained that he has "zero" dance experience, has been paired with Natalie.

Talking about being on the show, he said: "It is priceless."

10. Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff

 

 

Simon can't take his eyes off Kristina during the Strictly launch [PA]

Former Blue singer Simon was paired with Kristina.

Talking about his experience so far, he said: "It's bling bling baby."

11. Jake Wood and Janette Manrara 

 

 

Jake still looks like an East End geezer as he exits the stage with Janette [PA]

Talking about his pairing with Janette, EastEnders actor Jake was pleased and said: "She's a wonderful dancer."

He added that his opportunity to get his dance shoes on "beats being in the Queen Vic".

12. Jennifer Gibney and Tristan MacManus

 

 

Jenny looks coy with her eyes to the floor with partner Tristan [PA]

Mrs Brown's Boys actress Jennifer said she was "looking forward to the make-up, hair the tears and the laughter".

When asked if she was relieved by her pairing with Tristan, she said: "I haven't got time to be relieved yet, we still have the group dance to do."

13. Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev 

 

 

Caroline is swept off her feet by partner Pasha [PA]

Former Xtra Factor presenter Caroline was swept off her feet by partner Pasha.

Harry Styles' former flame said: "I'm excited and nervous to take to the stage."

14. Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute

 

 

Thom has a bit of a moment with Iveta during an interview with Tess [PA]

Rugby star and model Thom was thrilled to be paired with Iveta – and she was equally happy.

Claudia noted that she had "never seen her so quiet" before.

15. Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton

 

Scott was hoping to be paired with Joanne [PA]

Radio 1 DJ Scott has been paired with new dancer Joanne.

Talking about his match made in heaven, he said: "I was secretly hoping for Joanne."

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