EastEnder James Bye has emerged as a surprise favourite for the Strictly crown.
TV sources say the Walford star is impressing in rehearsals, as is Corrie thespian Will Mellor.
An insider said: “James and Will are already looking very handy on the dance floor, and have really thrown themselves into the task.”
Singer Fleur East, who many bookies have as the favourite to lift the Glitterball, is said to have been struggling.
The insider added: “She’s not used to the technique so she’s actually got to unlearn everything she thinks she knows and start from scratch.”
James, who has played Martin Fowler in the BBC soap since 2014, is in good form despite admitting he has a bad reputation on the dance floor.
He said of the Strictly challenge: “My kids regularly laugh at my dad-dancing but I’m going to give it my best shot.
“I’ve had quite a while to get my head around it but it’s still not really sunk in. I’m actually really nervous. I’ve got big shoes to fill.”
This week it was announced that Strictly Come Dancing will move from its original launch date amid schedule changes in the wake of the Queen’s death.
The 20th series of the dance competition was due to return to screens tonight, just two days before the late monarch’s state funeral on September 19.
The launch show will now air on September 23 followed by the first live show on September 24, the broadcaster has said.
Stars taking to the dance floor alongside James, Fleur and Will include Countryfile star Helen Skelton, comedian Ellie Taylor, Bros singer Matt Goss, Kiss radio host Tyler West, former England footballer Tony Adams and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Molly Rainford.
Completing the 2022 line-up are Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, comedian Jayde Adams, Coronation Street ’s Kym Marsh, Loose Women star Kaye Adams, Radio 2’s Richie Anderson and Countryfile cameraman Hamza Yassin.
The last series of Strictly was won by EastEnders ’ Rose Ayling-Ellis, with professional Giovanni Pernice.
Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke all return as judges.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
