Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Rachel Stevens has admitted she will have to work hard if she wants to stay on the show, as she is not a natural dancer. At the age of 19, Rachel became a member of the successful pop

group S Club 7, with the band going on to have 12 Top 10 hits, as well as a TV series and movie.

In 2003, when the group disbanded, she embarked on a solo career.

But she admitted the prospect of dancing on the hit TV show was "scary".

She said: "Just because you've been on stage doesn't mean you can dance. For the first time ever, I'm doing something completely on my own and it's scary. I've always had other band members or dancers around me before.

"I would be thrilled if I won, but I can't think that far ahead. I'm taking each training session as it comes and I'm looking forward to the sexy dances like the rumba."

Stevens's dance partner is Italian Vincent Simone, whose professional partner is Flavia Cacace, a finalist in last year's show with Eastenders star Matt Di Angelo.

Ladbrokes have installed Stevens as the 3/1 favourite to win. She heads the field from 6/1 joint second favourite One Show presenter Christine Bleakley and Holby City star Tom Chambers.

Other notable contestants include swimming champion Mark Foster, former England rugby player Austin Healey, model Jodie Kidd and political broadcaster John Sergeant.

Robin Hutchison of Ladbrokes said: "We reckon the dance moves that took S Club 7 to the top of the charts will serve Rachel well. But she faces stiff competition particularly from the sportsmen who have done well in the competition before."

Courtesy: Chris Irvine, telegraph.co.uk