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Strictly Come Dancing 2014 launch: Scott Mills, Judy Murray, Thom Evans and co paired with dance partners

Andy Murray's mum will be guided around the ballroom by Anton du Beke

Monday 08 September 2014 09:58 BST

The Strictly Come Dancing 2014 contestants and their professional dance partners open the twelfth run of the celebrity ballroom contest (BBC)

Sequins are sparkling, tail feathers are shaking and the competition looks set to hot up once again as Strictly Come Dancing returns to our living rooms.

The twelfth run of the hit ITV celebrity dancing contest launched on Sunday evening on BBC One, with Sir Bruce Forsyth handing over his longstanding presenter’s reins to Claudia Winkleman following an energetic tap dance flash mob.

Next, the 15 contestants were paired off with professional dancers who will be mentoring them through the ballroom show in the hope of lifting the Glitter Ball Trophy.

Famous faces for 2014 include Pixie Lott, Frankie Bridge, Judy Murray, Scott Mills, Gregg Wallace, Mark Wright, Steve Backshall, Simon Webbe and Thom Evans.

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

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1/15Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani

MasterChef's Gregg Wallace has teamed up with Aliona Vilani for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 'I am very happy because I know what an amazing dancer she is!' he said. 'I am really chuffed.'

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon

Pop star Pixie Lott will dance with Trent Whiddon on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 'I'm excited, I can't wait!' she said. 'We are going to have fun.'

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Judy Murray and Anton du Beke

Tennis player Andy Murray's mum Judy has been paired with Anton du Beke for Strictly Come Dancing. 'I'm absolutely delighted,' she said.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Mark Wright and Karen Hauer

The Only Way is Essex star Mark Wright will dance with Karen Hauer on Strictly Come Dancing. 'I am absolutely buzzing!' he said. 'Every single morning we go in, Karen is always smiling.'

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton

Scott Mills will dance with Joanne Clifton on Strictly Come Dancing. 'I secretly always wanted Joanne!' he said. 'We are very happy. We genuinely get on - I'm really looking forward to it!'

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton

Frankie Bridge from girl group The Saturdays will be dancing with Kevin Clifton in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff

Blue's Simon Webbe has been paired with Kristina Rihanoff for the ballroom competition. 'Come here babe!' he said. 'We're the happy couple.'

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev

Caroline Flack will be dancing with Pasha Kovalev in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute

Former rugby international Thom Evans will dance with Iveta Lukosiute on Strictly Come Dancing.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Alison Hammond and Aljaz Skorjanec

Reality TV star turned presenter Alison Hammond will dance with last year's victor Aljaz Skorjanec. 'I'm so excited!' she said.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan

Steve Backshall is set to dance with Ola Jordan on Strictly Come Dancing. '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.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Jennifer Gibney and Tristan McManus

Mrs Brown's Boys' Jennifer Gibney will be mentored by Tristan McManus on Strictly Come Dancing 2014

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole

Casualty actress Sunetra Sarker will be tutored by Brendan Cole during Strictly Come Dancing 2014. 'We are both delighted - he's been a great teacher already!' she said.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Jake Wood and Janette Manrara

EastEnders' Jake Wood will be dancing with Janette Manrara during the twelfth run of Strictly Come Dancing. 'She's a fantastic dancer and a no-nonsense American, which is what I was hoping for,' he said.

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?

Tim Wonncott and Natalie Lowe

The Bargain Hunt presenter will dance with Natalie during the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 'Very very very happy. Thrilled. Who wouldn't be?' he said.

BBC

Last year’s winner Abbey Clancy and her dancing partner Aljaz Skorjanec reunited for the last time to perform their Waltz to “Kissing You”, while Smokey Robinson, Imelda May and Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer provided musical entertainment.

Fans will now have to wait three weeks while the celebrities hone their first dance routines ready for the live shows.

Judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel-Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli will give their expert verdicts on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September.

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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