THIS year’s troupe of dancing stars shimmied their way down the red carpet as they took their first steps towards competing for the Strictly Come Dancing glitterball trophy.

Leading the way was Burnley-born Coronation Street star Natalie Gumede, who has traded the cobbles for costumes and cha chas.

The former Park High School, Colne, student has already whirled her way into pole position after it was revealed as an ex-student of the Chippendale School of Dance in Pendle she lists jazz dancing, Latin American and tap on her CV.

Betting odds on Natalie shot up and now the queen of the street is expected to be crowned queen of the dancefloor — before she has even danced.

William Hill lists Natalie as 5 to 1 joint favourite to win alongside Countdown’s maths whiz, Rachel Riley.

When the official line-up was announced, ahead of the Tuesday night’s glamourous launch, Natalie tweeted: “Sorry to everyone I’ve been ignoring or have lied to over the last few weeks and months. I've been bursting to share!”

After the launch, Natalie shared her excitment saying: “Mind officially blown! The energy of the audience was unbelievable — I wish I had as much stamina as them!”

It has not yet been confirmed who Natalie will dance with, but she will share the stage with her fellow contestants model, and wife of Peter Crouch, Abbey Clancy, pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, designer Julien McDonald, Hollyoaks actor Ashley Taylor-Dawson, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, former Bond Girl Fiona Fullerton as well as DJ and presenter Vanessa Feltz, BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid, Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, Waterloo Road actor Mark Benton, Casualty actor Patrick Robinson, rugby player Ben Cohen and golfer Tony Jacklin will also compete.