Ann Widdecombe leads sports and soap stars on to dancefloor

Former Destiny's Child star Michelle Williams will share the dancefloor with former MP Ann Widdecombe in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

They are among the line-up for the eighth series of the popular ballroom show, which was announced yesterday. Rival soaps EastEnders and Coronation Street are also well represented, and there are plenty of familiar faces from the world of sport and television.

Albert Square fans can cheer on Scott Maslen, best known as Jack Branning in the BBC1 soap, and Kara Tointon who played Dawn Swann.

Tina O'Brien, who played Sarah-Louise Platt before leaving Weatherfield for Waterloo Road, is another contestant revealed yesterday. She will be joined by Welsh rugby player Gavin Henson and the former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

Former gymnast turned television presenter Matt Baker could be among the early favourites, but will be challenged by DJ Goldie, who was a surprise hit when he picked up the conductor's baton in another BBC show, Maestro.

Veteran television magician Paul Daniels is one of the show's oldest ever dancers to perform at the age of 72. Also appearing are Billy Connolly's wife, Pamela Stephenson, and Felicity Kendal.

The first episode is scheduled for this Saturday, with the contestants facing a live audience for the first time on Friday 1 October.