Having already been crowned Britain’s Sexiest Actress, Kara Tointon now on track to becoming Strictly Come Dancing’s sexiest contestant.
The former Eastenders star sent the flashbulbs into a frenzy as she arrived at the launch show for the new series in a dress that left little to the imagination.
Kara, 27, who played the ‘tart with a heart’ Dawn Swannn on the soap until last year, flaunted her trim figure in an azure blue frock that was slashed at her left side and pinned daringly together at her hip.
Her weeks of gym visits ahead of the start of the BBC One show have certainly paid off as she looked trim and in great shape and ready to start turning some shapes on the Strictly dancefloor.
She was joined by the 13 other celebrities who have signed up for the eighth series of the programme, at BBC Television Centre in White City, west London.
Her dancefloor contemporaries include former Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien, who sparkled in her peach-coloured gold-trimmed frock.Ex-Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams proved she was still very bootylicious as she waved to the cameras, her short fringed, bright orange dress showing off her long slender legs.
Other contestants include Holby City star Patsy Kensit, who was all smiles as she arrived for the recording and photo call.
The actress, 42, posed in a hot pink dress with a plunging neckline and fringed skirt as she made her way inside, closely followed by author, psychologist and the wife of comedian Billy Connolly, Pamela Stevenson, 60, who also dazzled in a bright pink ensemble.
Also flying the ballroom dancing flag for the more mature ladies in the group were actress Felicity Kendall, who looked amazing for her 63 years in a fun, above the knee dark blue dress, while Conservative MP Anne Widdecombe, 62, posed on the red carpet in an elegant ankle-length purple gown.
Not to be completely outdone by the girls, this year’s male contestants also cut a dashing figure on the red carpet. Eastenders star Scott Maslen and rugby player Gavin Henson are sure to set female viewers hearts racing, especially if their launch show outfits were anything to go by.
The pair showed off their very buff-looking chests in their open-necked outfits as they stopped for the cameras on the way inside the studios.
They were joined by Dj Goldie, who will bring the bling to the competition, actor Jimi Mistry and TV presenter Matt Baker, who appeared to have avoided the red carpet cameras.
Also among the male contestants were West Ham goalkeeper Peter Shilton and veteran magician Paul Daniels. Today, all 14 contestants met their dance partner for the first time and then pre-recorded the launch show of the new series which airs this Saturday at 6.25pm.
There will then be a three-week break for the couples practice before the live shows begin. – Dailymail