Strictly Come Dancing special on MSN (Image © BBC)
By Lorna Cooper, TV Editor

Strictly Come Dancing Rewind: Series One

Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole win series one of Strictly Come Dancing (Image © BBC)
Eight celebrities dared to pair up with some of the world's leading professional dancers for the very first Strictly Come Dancing back in 2003. All proceeds were donated to Sports Relief as Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole emerged victorious. Here's a refresher of all the celebrities that took part.
 
Martin Offiah MBE, rugby legend
The England rugby legend known as 'Chariots' scored more than 500 tries in a career that spanned 14 years, winning every medal rugby league has to offer along the way. He enjoys dancing and was in a school dance group until the age of 15. Famed for his speed and cunning side-step on the rugby pitch, Martin was keen to try and convert is abilities into success on the dance floor; he was voted out in week 6.
 
Lesley Garrett CBE, opera singer
Born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, opera singer Lesley is known for her great charisma and natural stage presence, as well as her amazing voice. She loves dancing and plans to continue ballroom dancing with her husband for many years to come; Lesley was voted out in week 7.
David Dickinson (Image © PA Photos)
David Dickinson, presenter
Antique dealer and cult figure, David has no formal dance training but is always up for a new challenge. He is famed for his smart clothes and immaculate appearance, which made him a perfect candidate for Strictly Come Dancing. He lasted until week 3.
 
Verona Joseph, actress
Verona played Nurse Jess Griffin in Holby City from 2002-2006. She has made sporadic appearances in the show since then. Although she never learnt to dance professionally, Verona did do some contemporary dance at drama school. She was voted out in week 4. 
 
Jason Wood, singing stand-up comedian
Jason is carving out a niche for himself in the comedy world with his singing impersonations and acerbic wit. You may have seen him on BBC1's primetime show 29 Minutes Of Fame. He didn't last long on Strictly Come Dancing - the comedian was voted out in week 2.
Natasha Kaplinsky (Image © BBC)
Natasha Kaplinsky, presenter
The former BBC golden girl moved to Five, replacing Kirsty Young. In addition to working as a co-presenter of the BBC's Six O'Clock News, she took part in various other TV projects including Who Do You Think You Are? Natasha Kaplinsky doesn't see her future on the dance floor despite becoming the very first Strictly Come Dancing winner.
 
Christopher Parker, actor
Soap fans will recognise him as Spencer Moon in EastEnders, brother of Alfie (Shane Richie). A huge favourite with 'Enders viewers, he was clocking up more than 2,000 letters a week from adoring obsessives. He had no formal dance training, but that didn't stop him finishing in second place.
 
Claire Sweeney, presenter, actress and performer
Claire was adored by millions as Lindsay Corkhill in Channel 4's much-loved soap Brookside. She played the role for six years. Claire trained at the Elliot-Clark Drama School in Liverpool and at 18, won a place at London's famous Italia Conti stage school. This dramatic background wasn't enough to see past week 5.

MORE STRICTLY GALLERIES

  • Kelly BrookStrictly Come Dancing Fashion

    Irrespective of who takes part in Strictly Come Dancing, one could argue that the clothes are just as big an ingredient as the stars and the dance steps. Sequinned, short, feathery, colourful - the Strictly costume department has its hands full making sure all the stars dazzle week after week. Take a look back at some of the fashion over the years: the good, the bad and the utterly ridiculous.

  • Matt DawsonStrictly The Bitchiest!

    "Arlene is a Sharon Osbourne wannabe, but without The X-Factor judge's looks, brains, humour or humility," so said Carol Vorderman about Arlene Phillips back in 2004. Ooooh! The claws were out. But then, that's Strictly.

  • Alesha Dixon (Image © PA)The Rise and Rise of Alesha

    Singer Alesha Dixon will replace Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips when the show returns this autumn, the BBC has confirmed. The 66-year-old choreographer has been axed.

Strictly Come Dancing special featuring news and views, contestants and Bruce Forsyth (Image © BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing

The very latest news, views and interviews plus pictures and video in our special. Also, an irreverent look at the show courtesy of MSN's Strictly blogger.

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