He may be an Olympic medal winner, but boxer Anthony Ogogo admits that compared to Peter Andre, he feels “awkward” when it comes to looking good in a Strictly Come Dancing outfit.

“My dancing experience is zilch so when I’m watching Peter Andre in rehearsals, I feel like a stiff ironing board and he looks sexy, smooth and is wiggling his hips,” he said, “Even when we put on our outfits he looked so cool and like a Spanish bull fighter, and I stood there in my little baby blue number feeling very awkward.”

Ogogo joins the star-studded line up of contestants.

Here’s all you need to know about the male celebrity contestants from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Ainsley Harriott

Ainsley Harriott can cook superbly but can he also dance superbly? (BBC Pictures)
Ainsley Harriott can cook superbly but can he also dance superbly? (BBC Pictures)

Age: 58

Claim to fame? Celebrity chef

How do you rate your dance skills? “I certainly love a boogie and once the music starts I’m usually one of the first out there on the dance floor. Although I haven’t had any formal dance training, and something tells me I’m really going to notice the difference.”

Are you a competitive person? “To a degree, and if I’m playing a game, I do my best to win. I do want it to be enjoyable and I’d rather have fun and lose than simply win for the sake of winning. I’d like to get far enough to have really learned something.”

Anthony Ogogo

Former boxer Anthony Ogogo says he's very competitive (BBC Pictures)
Former boxer Anthony Ogogo says he’s very competitive (BBC Pictures)

Age: 26

Claim to fame? Olympic medal winning boxer

Have you any previous dance experience? “None! My dancing experience is zilch so when I’m watching Peter Andre in rehearsals, I feel like a stiff ironing board and he looks sexy, smooth and is wiggling his hips. Even when we put on our outfits he looked so cool and like a Spanish bull fighter, and I stood there in my little baby blue number feeling very awkward.”

Are you a competitive person? “Yes without a doubt. I’m not one of those guys that has to beat their nephew at board games but when I’m passionate about something like boxing, I’m the most competitive person in the world. For example, during my last fight I dislocated my shoulder in the second round and I fought the next four-and-a-half rounds with one arm, so there’s no giving up or quitting with me.”

Daniel O’Donnell

Daniel O'Donnell
Could Daniel O’Donnell secretly win the show? (BBC Pictures)

Age: 53

Claim to fame? Singer and entertainer

What will be your biggest challenge during Strictly? “Remembering the steps! When I dance on stage during my shows, I am never on the same spot two nights in a row so I obviously have to be a little bit more choreographed for Strictly and remember to be at the right place at the right time. I just hope I can remember everything and keep the energy up.”

Are you a competitive person? “Yes! I want to win at golf and I want to win at cards so I’m sure I will want to win at dancing. I want to go as far in the competition as I’m good enough to go and if that’s all the way then I will be thrilled!”

Iwan Thomas

Iwan Thomas say he's highly competitive (BBC Pictures)
Iwan Thomas say he’s highly competitive (BBC Pictures)

Age: 41

Claim to fame? Sports commentator and Olympic medallist

Why are you taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year? “I’ve always watched Strictly but I honestly can’t dance! I’m one of those blokes who watches the show and thinks, fair play to anyone that does it. I hate being rubbish at something so I think this is the place to learn.”

Are you a competitive person? “Yes I am mega competitive, although I’m playing it down because I truly can’t dance! I’ll be disappointed in myself if I don’t improve a lot.”

Jay McGuiness

Jay McGuiness
Jay from The Wanted says he needs to remember to smile (BBC Pictures)

Age: 25

Claim to fame? singer from The Wanted

Why are you taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year? “I’m taking part in Strictly to experience a challenge and to come back home to the UK as I have been living in Los Angeles recently. Also to meet new people and to be judged by Len (Goodman), which I think will make me a real man!”

What will be your biggest challenge during Strictly? “I think my biggest challenge will be smiling, not because I’m not happy but because I’m not naturally a smiley person so when it comes to one of the more enthusiastic dances I think I’m going to really struggle to bring that character out.”

Jeremy Vine

Jeremy Vine is hoping for Strictly Come Dancing success (BBC Pictures)
Jeremy Vine is hoping for Strictly Come Dancing success (BBC Pictures)

Age: 50

Claim to fame? BBC broadcaster and journalist

Why are you taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year? “I turned 50 this year and although I’m not a natural dancer, I realised this is the time to do stuff you don’t naturally want to do.”

How far do you hope to make it in the competition? “I would like to get to at least one tense moment in the competition but I am so polite, I will just wave the others past me on their way to the trophy and later think to myself, I wanted that!”

Peter Andre

Peter Andre is a favourite to win so far (BBC Pictures)
Peter Andre is a favourite to win so far (BBC Pictures)

Age: 42

Claim to fame? Singer and TV personality

What are you looking for in a dance partner? “I want someone who will be strict with me but will also have fun and enjoy our training. My biggest challenge is going to be remembering the moves as they are so technical and I wouldn’t want to let my partner down.”

Are you a competitive person? “I thought I wasn’t, but I must be because I am very focused. I think the competition is more with myself and to prove whether I can still move like I did 20 years ago. Haha! But everyone always tells me to enjoy the experience as the whole thing will come and go very quickly.”