It's obviously a pretty good marketing tool....

The contestants are no doubt carefully selected (or being put forward by their agents) for both enterainment values as well as commercial ones.

I could see for instance why the BBC wanted Christine Bleakley to take part last season although her ever growing popularity backfired on them in the end.

So, just for a bit of fun: who's in it for what?

Kara will want to bump up her acting profile as I don't think she's done anything since Eastenders... although to be honest I doubt there is one celeb (except maybe Anne ) who isn't interested in the popularity it'll bring them.

I'm sure I read somewhere (maybe Radio Times) that Kara said nothing else was on offer so she accepted a place on SCD.

Michelle Williams is probably trying to become as famous as Beyonce...good luck with that!!

I wondered the same thing OP. I mean, whats in it for Scot Maslen? Unless he was hoping to get paired up with a real hottie dancer or get closer to them generally?!

Interesting topic, I have to give it some thought.

For soap stars like Kara, Scott and Tina it's all about profile enhancing, I think.

I think Pamela just loves to move, and grabbed this chance with both hands to learn to dance. Also: it's a good study subject, I guess

The paragon that is Christine took part two seasons ago. Please accept this slap on the wrist. *slap*

They are all in it for publicity. The money also helps! Apparently Michelle is receiving 100 grand for appearing on Strictly...I think she probably wishes she hadn't bothered now though. It's not like she really needs the cash. Even Ann is a bit of a media whore, as she crops up fairly regularly on TV.