Kimberly Walsh from last year’s final

Tomorrow sees the eleventh series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing begin.

Here’s a list of the line up of this year’s Strictly.

The people I will be backing this year are the following

• Natalie Gumede  @ 4/1
• Sophie Ellis-Bextor @ 8/1
• Ben Cohen @ 10/1
• Rachel Riley @ 11/2

Here’s why.

Natalie Gumede

Natalie Gumede was installed as the favourite for Strictly, because she has some training as a dancer in the past, the same type of experience helped Denise Van Outen finish third last year and Kara Tointon win in 2010. Previous dance experience helps in this show.

Sophie Ellis-Bexter

Pop Prince and Princesses have a good record in the past on Strictly, which is in part explained that they are experienced in doing complicated dancing and moves in their videos and concerts. Harry Judd of McFly winning in 2011, whilst the likes of Kimberly Walsh of Girls Aloud (starring in the video above), ex S Club 7 star, Rachel Stevens and Spice Girl Emma Button all finishing in the top three, whilst Holly Valance finished a creditable fourth, Alesha Dixon winning it outright.

I hope Sophie Ellis-Bextor will follow that trend of pop stars doing well on Strictly

That said, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child fame was eliminated sixth in 2010, Ann Widdecombe outlasted her in that season, which brings backs memory of the time she performed the Paso Doble, if you haven’t see her perform the Paso Doble, then click here, you won’t regret it, but I think Michelle Williams was the exception rather the norm for pop stars on Strictly.

Ben Cohen

Whilst his fellow 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, Josh Lewsey has decided to bring some much needed English World Cup winning nous and all round English Rugby brilliance to Welsh Rugby, Ben Cohen has opted for the more difficult task of competing on Strictly.

Male sports have done well in Strictly winning four out of the ten series, including Louis Smith last year. No Rugby player has ever won Strictly,  they’ve done well in the past, Matt Dawson finishing second and the likes of Austin Healey and Gavin Henson doing creditably.

Rachel Riley

I’ve backed her, purely on the hunch she’d do well, and that I’m a fan of Countdown.

I’ve also backed Ashley Taylor Dawson as top man at 17/8

All the betting markets on Strictly are available here and the Betfair exchange here.

TSE

(Who enjoys Strictly Come Dancing as much as he enjoys The Eurovision Song Contest, and has accurately predicted 4 out of the last 5 winners)