Strictly stars get their feathers and sparkles on for pre-show snaps

It is all feathers and sparkles at the Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals, according to a fresh wave of selfies shared by the contestants.

The hopeful dancers shared some lighthearted snaps on Twitter as they tried on outfits for the show, just two weeks before it returns to screens on BBC One.

One picture shows presenter Debbie McGee, TV chef Simon Rimmer and broadcaster Rev Richard Coles peering from between some enormous blue and white plumes, while another sees actress Gemma Atkinson, Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins and actress Chizzy Akudolu show off glittering dresses in black and gold.

Meanwhile, other pictures catch Brian Conley, JLS’s Aston Merrygold and Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock larking about in their smart suits.

The photos come days after the show’s full line-up of competitors was revealed, a list which also includes The Saturdays singer Mollie King and comedian Susan Calman.

In a joking Twitter post, Calman said she had avoided the photo shoot because the “sight of me in a dress and heels is being kept secret lest the British public become overwhelmed”.

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return to perform hosting duties and will be joined by resident judges Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli.

Shirley Ballas will make her debut at the head of the panel, taking over from show veteran Len Goodman, who stepped down from the job at the end of the last series.