A former Westcountry parliamentary candidate and an ex-Plymouth Argyle player and manager are among the celebrities starring in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Ex-MP Ann Widdecombe and goalkeeper Peter Shilton form part of the line-up for the eighth series of the hit ballroom show, it was announced yesterday.

Mrs Widdecombe, who ran for the Plymouth Devonport seat in the 1983 General Election, said she wants "a nice gentle waltz" during the competition.

In March 2008, the politician purchased a house in Haytor on Dartmoor, where she plans on spending her retirement.

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton joined Plymouth Argyle as player-manager in 1993 and made 43 appearances before leaving the club in 1995.

Among his sporty rivals on the hit BBC show will be Welsh rugby player Gavin Henson and former gymnast turned television presenter Matt Baker.

Rival soaps EastEnders and Coronation Street are well represented and there are plenty of familiar faces from the world of sport and television.

Albert Square fans can cheer on Scott Maslen, best known as Jack Branning in the BBC1 soap, and Kara Tointon who played Dawn Swann.

Other contestants include soap star Tina O'Brien, former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams, DJ Goldie, film star Jimi Mistry, Billy Connolly's wife Pamela Stephenson and Felicity Kendal.

Veteran television magician Paul Daniels is one of the show's oldest ever dancers at 72. The first episode is this Saturday, with the contestants facing a live audience for the first time on Friday, October 1.