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Fans of Strictly Come Dancing Sir Bruce Forsyth when he announced his departure from the show earlier this year.
But the 86-year-old entertainer will be back for a last hurrah tonight, when he leads a flashmob down the red carpet and into the ballroom.
Forsyth will be joined by the series’ professional dancers for a ‘call and response’ tap routine to “Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet”, before officially handing over the co-presenting reins to Claudia Winkleman .
The 15 celebrities competing for the Glitter Ball Trophy will be paired up with their dancing mentors in the first episode, which launches on BBC One at 8pm this evening. Frankie Bridge, Scott Mills, Steve Backshall , Pixie Lott, Thom Evans, Judy Murray and Gregg Wallace among those taking part.
Show all 15 1 /15Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Frankie Bridge Frankie is used to being in the spotlight with girl group The Saturdays. She is married to footballer Wayne Bridge. Expect her to be good at dancing as it is 'the best bit of what she does'. She is most looking forward to dancing the tango but the ballroom stuff worries her because it's 'more serious'.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Scott Mills Scott has been entertaining the nation on BBC Radio 1 for more than 15 years. He signed up for Strictly because he likes to do something each year that scares him. He rates his dancing skills has 'non-existent' but then he has never tried...
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Judy Murray Judy Murray is known as mother and coach to tennis players Andy and Jamie. 'I hope the 50 something ladies out there will be able to identify with me and will be looking out for me,' she says.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Thom Evans Ex-professional rugby player Thom has been focussing on modelling and acting since retiring. He is hoping his general fitness will help but he has 'absolutely no dancing experience whatsoever'.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Gregg Wallace Gregg is best known for his role on the MasterChef shows but he also runs a fruit and veg business plus two restaurants of his own. He admits to being competitive and doesn't mind a bit of fake tan but is a little nervous of the judges.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Pixie Lott Singer Pixie Lott has scored three number one singles. She wants a fun and easy-going dance partner who works hard but doesn't take it too seriously. But then Pixie went to performing arts school so we suspect she already has some dance moves up her sleeve...
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Mark Wright The Only Way is Essex' Mark will at least be used to the fake tan. He is 'nervous but so excited' to be on Strictly Come Dancing and looking forward to the challenge. He will be 'ecstatic' if he doesn't go out in the first three shows.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Caroline Flack TV presenter Caroline is known for hosting a variety of shows including Gladiators and The Xtra Factor. The only practice she has done is with her boyfriend in the kitchen but he 'moves like a mosquito'. She is looking forward to 'embracing the sequins'.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Simon Webbe Simon from boy band Blue has showcased some cheesy dance moves in the past. His daughter is a dancer so he's banking on some tips from her while hoping that boxing training has helped improve his reacting timings.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Jennifer Gibney Jennifer stars as Cathy in hit TV comedy Mrs Brown's Boys. She is married to creator and Mrs Brown herself Brendon O'Carroll. She wants to have lots of fun and is used to fake tanning from acting.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Tim Wonnacott Tim will be swapping Bargain Hunt for Strictly after hosting the antiques challenge for 11 years. He is a chartered auctioneer and a former director of Sotheby's. He wants to learn some moves to wow his wife with on their 30 th wedding anniversary. He is hoping for a patient instructor.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Sunetra Sarker Sunetra is best known for playing Dr Zoe Hanna on Casualty. She has joked that she was bullied into appearing on Strictly and expects to be in the dance-off a lot. Sunetra is also a bit scared of Craig.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Jake Wood Jake is known for playing EastEnders bad boy Max Branning. In real life he loves being active but has no professional dancing experience. He says 'bring on the sequins' and is not nervous about facing the judges.
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Alison Hammond Alison's face is known from This Morning where she interviews some of the world's biggest stars. She first made her name on Big Brother in 2002. She has signed up for Strictly to improve her fitness and because she loves dancing. Her signature move is the 'running man'.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants Steve Backshall Bafta-winning British naturalist Steve is known for fronting wildlife programme Deadly 60. He is competitive with himself but not with others and is still getting used to all the sequins and sparkle.
Forsyth will make various guest appearances on special editions of the twelfth run, including the popular Christmas special.
He said back in April that it felt like “the right time to step down from the rigours of presenting the Strictly live shows”.
“I am very proud of what the show has achieved and confident it will entertain the nation for many years to come,” he added.
This year's celebrities prepare to hit the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom (BBC) Tess Daly returns as a full-time host alongside Winkleman, while viewers can tune in to It Takes Two with Zoe Ball for backstage gossip during week days.
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