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Seann Walsh

Seann Walsh was nominated for the Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2013; the latest in a line of accolades, including winning the Leicester Comedy Festival comedian of the year competition in 2009, runner-up in the So You Think You're Funny? new act competition, 2008, and being nominated for the breakthrough award in the 2010 Chortle Awards.

Seann Walsh paired with Strictly champion Katya Jones

But will it shorten his 66-1 odds of winning?

Seann Walsh made his first appearance on Strictly Come Dancing last night when he was paired with reigning champion Katya Jones.

He will be hoping his choice of partner might improve his chances of winning since he enters the competition a 66-1 outsider to take the glitterball trophy. Only fashionista Susannah Constantine is a longer shot at 100-1.

‘I’ve got the champion!’ said the delighted comedian as the pairing was announced.

Host Tess Daly pointed out: ‘We know Katya has a sense of humour as she taught Ed Balls to Gangham Style.’

Russian Jones only joined Strictly in 2016, but last year took the trophy with Holby actor Joe McFadden. She is also a world professional Latin showdance champion with her husband and fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones.

Walsh strictyl

In the videoed interviews introducing this year’s contestants, Walsh said: ‘I’m not here to make people laugh – I do that in comedy clubs – I’m here to wow people. Inside me there might be a dancer

I’ see it as an opportunity to come out the other ends with a skill. Actually, if we can do something like this for all areas of my life –– If we could do Strictly Come Cooking, Strictly Come Driving – in a few years I can be a complete adult who knows how to function… I didn’t sound like I was convincing myself then.’

Danny John-Jules was paired with pro Amy Dowden

Today it was also revealed that the Red Dwarf star had been taught to dance by Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli in the 1970s.

The 57-year-old said: ‘‘I have known Bruno for over 35 years. We used to do the same class for Arlene [Phillips, an ex-Strictly judge] and a lady called Libby Rose and sometimes Bruno would take over teaching from them.’

He is fourth favourite to win at 8-1 and is the most experienced of the contestants, having appeared in West End musicals Starlight Express, Soul Train and Barnum and danced in videos with the likes of Wham!, Lena Zavaroni and The Muppets.

Here is the contestants’ first dance from last night’s show: