Kara Tointon wins!

*Kara Tointon won the eighth series of Strictly with partner Artem Chigvintsev*

The BBC says Strictly is back to 'sweep the nation off its feet'. Well, they're definitely throwing the works at the celebrity dance show as they bid to capture the Saturday night audience from The X Factor.

Strictly Come Dancing 8 kicks off with a live show in which the 14 celebrities are paired up with their professional partners – and when the line-up includes Ann Widdecombe, Paul Daniels, Goldie and Peter Shilton there's likely to be few nervous pros!

Strictly producers have rung the changes, with star dancers such as Matthew Cutler, Brian Fortuna and Lilya Kopylova out of the show and newbies such as Artem Chigveintsev (pictured) in, plus a revamped set, new elaborate group routines and a live launch show on Saturday, September 11.

As well, Bruce Forsyth will now only helm the Saturday night show with Tess Daly, while Claudia Winkelman will join Tess to co-host the Sunday night results show.

Brucie is looking forward to the being a part-timer. “It means I get home in time for Match of the Day!”

Tess also likes the new format. “This year I’m going to be front of stage in a glass booth, like the US version. I’m all for new changes.”

But what of the celebrities? From ex Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams to former Welsh rugby player Gavin Henson, it’s the sort of combination a mad scientist might concoct in a laboratory.

Holby City actress Patsy Kensit admits it’s a whole new ballroom game for her. “I’ve never done any of [the dances], so I’m excited to be learning something I’ve never had any experience in before,” she says.

Magician Paul Daniels says he’s never danced these styles, but there is one area in which he will be champion. “I don’t get nervous. This is one area where I will reign supreme,” he says.

Gavin, meanwhile, could well be nervous AND excited. His main source of anxiety? “Getting aroused when I’m dancing close to my partner.”

You heard it here first. Strictly Come Dancing launches on September 11 on BBC1, while the live shows begin on October 1.