Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly names surprise contestant as 'one not to be missed'

Strictly Come Dancing's star presenter Tess Daly says one celebrity is "not to be missed" ahead of the first live show.

Speaking to Vernon Kay's Radio 2 programme, Tess said the "excitement is palpable" in preparation for Saturdays spectacle. Tess highlighted footie legend Paul Merson as one to watch.

Paul, who has been partnered with Karen Hauer, however was dealt a big-blow hours before the first live show. That is because he emerged as bookies' favourite to be booted out first, although Tess has backed the star to be a surprise contender

Speaking on-air, Tess enthused: "The excitement is palpable in the studio today. It's really building, because all 15 celebrities are dancing live for the very first time on tomorrow night's show."

"Costumes are being finalised, fake tan sessions are being booked. We've got sambas, two sambas, and the samba's challenging as a first dance, so that's going to be really interesting."

"We've got cha chas, and when I tell you that Paul Merson's American Smooth is not to be missed, I promise I am not joking. We just can't wait for everyone to see all the hard work these brilliant celebrities have put in in the training room, it's gonna be an amazing show."

Vernon, on the other hand, suggested that the Sky Sports pundit appears to be "going to have the best time ever" on the show. He added: "If you watched the launch show, it looked like Paul Merson didn't really get what was happening. He was just overwhelmed by the excitement of the sparkly shirt and new fake tan".

"He was so joyous just watching him just smiling and laughing all the way through the group routine. The one to watch, trust me, Paul Merson, he's going to have the best time ever."

Before participating in the show, Paul expressed his approach to life as taking "take life one step at a time".

In an interview with the BBC, he said: "Joining Strictly is a whole new ball game for me, but I'm going to tackle this challenge head on. I'm ready to swap the pitch for the ballroom floor, so here's hoping my two left feet can learn some moves and you never know, maybe I'll be taking home the Glitterball Trophy."

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