New 'Strictly Come Dancing' lineup confirmed

TV presenters Carol Vorderman and Esther Rantzen have been confirmed as two of the celebrities on the lineup for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Bruce Forsyth will return as host of the BBC ballroom dancing show, while series one winner Natasha Kaplinsky will share co-hosting duties with Tess Daly, who is on maternity leave for the first few shows.

Also competing are gardening presenter Diarmuid Gavin, comedian Julian Clary, Casualty actress Sarah Manners, singer Aled Jones and athlete Denise Lewis. EastEnders star Jill Halfpenny, motoring presenter Quentin Willson and athlete Roger Black complete the lineup.

Several of the professional dancers from the first series - including Kaplinsky's partner Brendan Cole - will be back, as will the entire judging panel.

Presenter Justin Lee Collins won't be returning, however: his BBC Three companion show has been replaced with a daily 6pm show on BBC Two called Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two. Claudia Winkleman takes over hosting duties.

The new series begins Saturday, October 23rd.