Andy Taylor

Andy Taylor is Associate Press Director at Carat. A former semi-professional model, he’s the competition eye-candy.

Usually only ever seen dancing while inebriated, Andy has no previous dance or performance training and, according to his lovely wife, no rhythm either.

Although he doesn’t know his shasse from his elbow, he’s been lured into competition by the prospect of meeting Ola Jordan, his favourite Strictly dancer. He’s more than happy to wear see-through and sequins if it gets her attention.

Andy’s allegedly given up alcohol Mondays to Fridays in preparation for the event and is confident that partner Arianne will keep him focussed. But will she let him throw a few of his legendary freestyle moves into the rehearsed routine?

Only time will tell.

Arianne Salter

Arianne Salter is the Advertising Director at BBC Magazines.

As she considers donning those sequins (which, to be frank, she’s most excited about), Arianne says she’s now feeling regret at forcing her mother to take her out of ballet lessons all those years ago, so she could climb trees.

How different this competition would be. Now she describes her dance style as “flailing arms and legs” and her biggest fear is falling flat on her face in front of “250 media luvvies”.

To cope with the fear, she anticipates ingesting high volumes of alcohol, although in the meantime she’s put herself on a strict training regime – giving up champagne breakfasts and vodka chasers.

Watch out for Arianne’s matching sequin knickers, that’s her intended weapon to wow the masses on the dance floor.