A NEW series of Strictly Come Dancing, which starts on Sunday, usually heralds plenty of media excitement and speculation. Not this year, though.

The latest batch to don the sparkly sequins and fake tan – and that’s just the men – includes a variety of “celebrities” that few appear to know. Usually, there’s a sprinkling of famous sportspeople, some well-known telly faces, the odd politician or social commentator up for public humiliation, and some beautiful people to keep the stardust twinkling.

Considering that most of the popular series’ viewers are female and a fair proportion middle-aged, opting for pop singer Pixie Lott, one of girl group The Saturdays and niche TV host Caroline Flack seems an odd choice.

Whatever this lot make of the Cha-Cha-Cha, Pasa Doble or even each other, my money is already on Andy Murray’s feisty mum, Judy. No, not necessarily to win. But I bet the 54 year-old, who appears to take no prisoners, grabs most of the headlines week by week. Can’t wait!