Strictly Come Dancing / Alan Dudman / 08 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

Betting.Betfair Strictly Come Dancing aficionado Alan Dudman tells you everything you need to know about each contestant in his guide to this year's renewal.

X-Factor or Strictly? Regular readers of this site will know I am in the camp of the latter, so shove off Simon Cowell and bring on the 'Sweet Sixteen' that make this season's competition. Saturdays will never be the same (well until Christmas anyway) again. And it's time to cast my sequinned eyes on some of the runners and riders.

Joe Calazaghe: To win [7.00]

Installed as pre-series favourite, but not sure I would be wading in with the others. Sure,
sportsmen have a great record in 'Strictly', but he doesn't strike me as a man with natural rhythm. I may be wrong, and my Boxing knowledge isn't great, but I don't remember him being twinkle-toes in the ring.

In his favour he is super-fit, was undefeated in a 16-year, 46-fight career, and he has the
whole of the Welsh vote behind him.

Dudders Verdict: Too short (price not height), will struggle with anything quick, too cumbersome for Ballroom.

Ricky Wilding: To win [8.80]

No, I didn't know who he is either.

Apparently he is the hunk in Hollyoaks. He has also appeared in Heat magazine's 'Torso of the Week'. He was a decent footballer in his youth, studied Law at University, has modelled, and is now a soap star. One word - GIT.

Verdict: Should have all the moves and is the eye-candy for the ladies. I am just unaware
of his work.

Phil Tufnell: To win [13.5]

Cheeky, chirpy, cockney who the BBC is getting full value out of. Is there a programme he hasn't been on? Many remember him as a decent spinner for Middlesex and England. However, in the field he was absolute gubbins. Zero athleticism, and nowhere near as fit as former winners Ramps and Goughie.

Known as 'The Cat' in his cricketing days for his ability to sleep anywhere rather than for licking his own genitals like my cat.

Verdict: Back to the One Show (and all the others).

Ali Bastian: To win: [12.00]

Former Hollyoaks babe, now plying her trade in the Eastenders retirement home of
The Bill. She is graceful, she is sexy, she is an English rose, she is also out my league.

Partnered by American Brian Fortuna. He's good, and fortuna favours the brave.

Verdict: Sexy but bland.

Laila Roulass: To win [16.00]

Whoaaaaa what a fox. Laila described competing in this year's Strictly as
'a dream come true'. I have had many dreams with Laila - unfortunately none
of them ever came true. She'll be elegance personified, and has the genial Anton
Du Beke as her partner. He had Gillian Taylforth (rubbish) last season but Roulass looks good. Week 10 plus material and they look a good combo.

Verdict: Good trade with a view to getting out well into series.

Chris Hollins: [22.00]

Breakfast Star on BBC apparently. I am never up before 10am, so no idea who he is. Good sportsman in his youth though, could help.

Verdict: Better outsider than others, but a nobody.

Craig Kelly: [18.00]

The Craig Kelly? You kidding me? I am kidding, don't know him either. He is
in Corrie and could have the 'heartthrob' vote.

Verdict: ITV's Tom Chambers?

Zoe Lucker: To win [19.00]

Described as 'scheming bitch' Tanya Turner in Footballers Wives. Not sure that
will go down well with the women. Early exit material for me, and who knows - a
new series in store about school canteens and food. 'Lucker's Tuck' anyone?

Verdict: Won't last a month.

Ricky Groves: To win [40.00]

Another cheeky chirpy cockney. Groves mentioned he wanted to be John Travolta
from Saturday Night Fever. I was thinking more the Pulp Fiction days with all that
weight me old son.

Ricky added: "I feel like the cat that got the cream." He sure looks like the cat that
ate all the cream (double fat).

Verdict: Todd Carty of Strictly.

Natalie Cassidy: To win [26.00]

Another Walford reject! Described on the official site as 'multi-talented' and 'universally-loved'. Huh?! This is the one who played Sonia Jackson in Eastenders right?

Verdict: Not for me, although potential for dance DVD in future perhaps?

Recommendation ante-post: Back Ricky Wilding to win outright@ [8.80]
Back Laila Roulass @ to win outright [16.00]

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