Soap stars dominate Strictly line-up

Former Eastenders stars Kara Tointon and Jimi Mistry will battle it out against current cast member Scott Maslen on the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The trio will be up against ex-Coronation Street actress Tina O'Brien, singer Michelle Williams, actress Patsy Kensit, magician Paul Daniels and politician Ann Widdecombe.

Other contestants donning their dancing shoes include Felicity Kendal, rugby star Gavin Henson, former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, DJ Goldie, funnygirl-turned-psychologist Pamela Stephenson and presenter Matt Baker.

Tointon admits she's looking forward to the tango challenge, saying, "There's something very seductive and powerful about that dance, and it's always fun to feel seductive and powerful from time to time."

The new series kicks off with a special launch show this Saturday.