Strictly Come Dancing kicked off on BBC One this evening and Len Goodman seems pretty psyched about this year’s lineup.

The head judge revealed that he was elated with the producers choices of contestant and told Bruce Forsyth:

“Last year I thought we had a great line up, but this is the first time, I’ll be honest, this is the first time I’ve knew every single one of the celebrities. I knew them all. Normally I’m thinking ‘who’s that?’, but no, I know them all. And, you know… what’s great? We’ve got hunky dunky blokes and gorgeous girls… It’s a buffet of delight and I can’t wait for the 5th October. Come on!”

Goodman has a very clear idea of who he thinks will shine on the dancefloor and is very much looking forward to a few first performances in particular, he added:

“I’ll tell you what I’m looking forward to this so much. I mean, Fern and Artem, hunky Artem and they are going to be fabulous. I remember when she was on the Christmas special and I’ll tell you what, she can shake it about. I’m telling you and what about Danny and Vincent? Young, fresh and frisky. A couple of dancing munchkins out there. I’m looking forward to it. And Brendan has got the perfect one – Victoria. Get on your bike son, she’ll say. I’ve got a feeling their going to be like a couple on a tandem, going along smoothly right into that final. Into the sunset.”

Always one with a penchant for drama, Bruno Tonioli seemed excited to the point of collapse about the contestants and he raved:

“I am literally throbbing! To the point of hyperventilation. I cannot wait to get my eyes on some of these girls.”

On which of the stars he is most looking forward to watching perform, he continued:

“I cannot wait to see Victoria, Denise and Kimberly performing the raunchy rumba and the saucy salsa. I think they’re like super cars, ready to go for it at the start of it. Engines are ready! And have you seen the bodywork? I mean, I’m telling you. Oh it’s going to be a scorcher.”

“I’m telling you, the characters are absolutely brilliant. Imagine you got Sid and Ola, it could be the Ricky and Bianca of the dance floor. You can get all the stormy relationships, more ups and downs then the plot of Eastenders. I’m looking forward to that! Then you’ve got Nicky and Karen. I want to see the wild side of Westlife! Something we’ve never seen before. It’s about time. And he’s got the right girl, I’m telling you. She looks pretty hot and jolly. Distinguished gentlemen, the hot crumpet. Is she going to be too hot to handle? It’s going to be elegant I’m sure. I can’t wait to see them dance.”

Did you enjoy tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing show? Which contestants stood out for you? Leave your comments below….