Network 10 has confirmed the names of all the contestants signed this year for the return of Dancing with the Stars to television:
Network 10 has recruited from the north, south, east and even from the West Indies to bring a stellar line-up of celebrities who are super excited to show off their foxtrot, rumba and waltz on the all new Dancing With The Stars.
Premiering Monday, 18 February at 7.30pm, the 11 illustrious hopefuls will be rhinestoned and sequined within an inch of their lives, ready to deliver the sparkliest season yet.
And, for the first time in Australia, Dancing With The Stars will see a male celebrity paired with a male professional dancer. Shane Jenek will undertake rehearsals as himself but come show time will perform under his drag pseudonym, Courtney Act.
Courtney, a triple threat who has been practising her dance moves relentlessly, said: “My balls…of my feet have been very sore. I’m used to high heels hurting but my feet are killing me already.”
And joining Courtney, Samuel Johnson, Sir Curtly Ambrose and Cassandra Thorburn are another seven stars.
From fitness moguls, chefs, comedians and lifesavers, will they have what it takes to shimmy, sparkle and spin their way to dancing glory, all in the name of charity?
Here’s what they had to say:
Michelle Bridges, Fitness Expert
“At a wedding recently, I was on the dancefloor all night to the point where I busted my heel and like any good Aussie girl, I threw my shoes into the corner and kept going!”
Denise Scott, Comedian and TV Presenter
“People do like to cheer on the underdog. Surely being the oldest in something doesn’t make you an underdog, it just makes you old.”
Olympia Valance, Actress
“I’ve watched the show every year and I wanted to try something that I’ve never done before. How cool would it be to whip out a freaking tango at a salsa bar?”
Jett Kenny, Competitive Lifesaver and Model
“My sister who has danced her whole life told me to go and get basic lessons, but I saw it as more of a challenge to start from scratch.”
Miguel Maestre, Chef and TV Presenter
“Everyone is looking at me like this bowl of jamón rolling around the dancefloor!”
Constance Hall, Author and Social Media Sensation
“I was surprised when first approached but then I realised ‘no of course they want me there, everyone needs someone to laugh at.’ That’s their angle so I’ll give it to them.”
Jimmy Rees (aka Jimmy Giggle), Children’s Presenter
“My family are very excited, I think they have high expectations for me which I’m trying to lower.”
Dancing With The Stars is hosted by Grant Denyer and Amanda Keller.