STRICTLY hopeful Carol Kirkwood told The Sunday Post about her secret wish last week…and it has come true!
The BBC weathergirl whispered that she wanted a handsome hunk as a dance partner and last night, she landed current champ Pasha Kovalev on the Strictly Launch Show.
Carol, who wowed the audience with a sexy new look, was thrilled and gushed: “He’s gorgeous! I’m very, very happy.”
Now she plans to tone up as much as she’s glammed up.
“I’ve been doing training with a lovely chap,” she revealed. “I wanted to work on my stamina, but he said I’ve got to work on my core fitness first.”
Carol faces tough competition in the sexiness stakes, with Kirsty Gallacher daughter of Sunday Post columnist Bernard saying she’ll be happy to slip into some seriously skimpy outfits.
The celebs and their new partners now spend three weeks in rehearsals before the first live shows on September 25 and 26.
But who will win?
Who will be dancing queens and who could be murder on the dancefloor?
To find out, we asked Ballroom and Latin expert Nataliya Grigorova for her verdict on the pairings.
Here’s what she thinks of them…
Carol and Pasha
“He’s amazing, as being current champ shows, but her lack of dance experience could hurt her.”
Georgia and Giovanni
“Obviously we don’t know what he can do as a new boy, but she’s young and fit and looks a good prospect.” Peter and Janette
“I can see why he’d be a favourite as he has the physique and the dance moves from his singing background.” Anita and Gleb
“It’s hard to know with this duo with Gleb being new, but Russians are technically good and strong characters.” Helen and Aljaz
“He showed how good he is by winning with Abbey Clancey and she should have done some dance as part of her drama training.” Kellie and Kevin
“I think she’s lucky to land Kevin who’s a fantastic pro and again any drama school dance days should help.” Jay and Aliona
“Singers should always have some dancing skills and youth is certainly on his side.” Jamelia and Tristan
“This looks like an interesting duo and I think her performing side will definitely be a plus.” Anthony and Oti
“I always like boxers. They are used to swift footwork and I can see him go far.” Iwan and Ola
“Sportsmen have done well, too. They have an athleticism and Ola’s a really seasoned pro.” Kirsty and Brendan
“Her sporty background will help but I feel Brendan has been eclipsed by the younger pros recently.” Ainsley and Natalie
“As one of the older celebrities and without any obvious dance background, I think he’ll aim to show off his character.” Jeremy and Karen
“As a presenter I’m not sure he’ll have had any experience at all, so Karen may have her work cut out.” Daniel and Kristina
“While singers usually have some dance experience, I think he may be hoping his fans help out Kristina.” Katie and Anton
“He’s a ballroom master who knows it all and I think Katie will be more natural than Judy Murray, his partner last year.”Read our list of ten classic Strictly moments – click here.
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