KEY POINTS:
Jason Gunn reckons the key to surviving Dancing with the Stars is to pretend you know what you're doing, and if you're going to fall, "make it a good one". Co-host Candy Lane is a little more specific. "When the professional dancer says bend over, don't question it. Just say `how far?"'
Sounds like good advice.
But if anyone knows how this thing goes, it's the contestants. The competition is that little bit fiercer this year, as this year's celebs tell us below. But they're used to the limelight. We won't be seeing political figures flaunting their newly sculpted physiques or trying to sway the public to vote for them both on and off the job.
There will be no Georgina Beyer, Christine Rankin, Michael Laws or Rodney Hide. It's election year, which means parliamentary stars "couldn't give it the commitment required", say producers.
And on the topic of voting, viewers will be just as in the dark over the competition as we were last year. TVNZ won't say how much of the 99c text vote goes to the charity of the contestants' choice after operational costs are factored in, other than to say that the broadcaster gets nothing.
Neither will the show disclose the weekly voting tally like it does overseas, for fear it could "influence the way votes are cast for future episodes," says producer Debra Kelleher.
But hey, this ain't a real election. Since when was strategic voting a bad thing?
So here are this year's hot steppers ...
PETER URLICH
(singer/DJ/radio host)
Age: 51
Dance partner: Hayley Holt
Why are you doing the show? I'd heard from other contestants that it had been an unforgettable experience. Combine that with raising money for my charity 0800WHATSUP and it was a challenge I had to face.
Previous dance experience: Zero.
Confidence level: I'm reasonably confident that I won't be the first to go (fingers crossed).
How will your day job help you on stage? Not at all. DJing and hosting a breakfast radio show has nothing to do with the rise and fall of the waltz.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? I hope my personality may get me votes and the fact that I've got the gorgeous Hayley on my arm. I'll be calling on all my network of friends and supporters to text in.
A paso doble is ... like a tortilla or one of those Mexican sandwiches.
MIRIAMA SMITH
(actress)
Age: 31
Dance partner: Jonny Williams
Why are you doing the show? Because I think Dancing with the Stars is great entertainment and to help raise the profile of my charity, KidsCan.
Previous dance experience: Jazz dancing at primary school and PE training for the seventh form formal.
Confidence level: With each passing week I feel more confident but I am extremely frightened about the prospect of having to dance on live TV in front of a studio audience. Fortunately my dad and his wife will be driving down from Whakatane for the first show, so that might boost my confidence.
How will your day job help you on stage? My guess is as good as yours.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? If I told you then I'd have to kill you. But it doesn't involve banana skins, laxatives or costume defamation.
A paso doble is ... A Spanish gypsy dance based on the bullfighter. If you had asked me two months ago I would have said it's a double serving of an exotic dessert.
MARTIN DEVLIN
(sports commentator)
Age: 44
Dance partner: Lauren de Boeck
Why are you doing the show? Because I thought it would be really fun, and to raise awareness for my charity Decision Reach-Out (Toro Mai) Trust.
Previous dance experience: Zero. Last time I danced, if you can call it that, was to the Clash in the 80s.
Confidence level: Probably too high. I probably think I'm better than I am. Time will tell and the television doesn't lie.
How will your day job help you on stage? I've had enough live experience on TV and in front of microphones not to get to nervous but I think I will anyway.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? Hang on to Lauren as tight as I can.
A paso doble is ... A chicken and mushroom fettuccine, sort of on the mild side.
TEMEPARA GEORGE
(netballer)
Age: 32
Dance partner: Stefano Oliveri
Why are you doing the show? To help support my charity, Autism NZ.
Previous dance experience: Having a boogie with the girls.
Confidence level: If you asked me three weeks ago I would say a big fat 0, but as we train more, my confidence level is rising.
How will your day job help you on stage? Playing netball is like being on stage and the preparation for a big test match will help a lot.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? I won't say too much but I am going to make sure I have fun while performing.
A paso doble is ... A representation of a bullfight where the male takes on the role as the matador and the partner is his cape.
CORY HUTCHINGS
(Ironman)
Age: 35
Dance partner: Rebecca Nicholson
Why are you doing the show? To help raise the profile of my charity, Surf Life Saving NZ and to try something outside my comfort zone.
Previous dance experience: Absolutely none. I can't even say I'm a pub dancer.
Confidence level: On a level of 1-10 probably about 4. I'm fit but the rhythm might be a problem.
How will your day job help you on stage? I'm used to dealing with pressure so hopefully that helps, but what I do and what this show entails are totally different things.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? Just to be myself. I appreciate I have achieved big things but I don't see myself as a celebrity. I think sometimes other celebrities get a bit precious and that's not me.
A paso doble is ... a really nice cocktail at Ives bar on the Gold Coast.
TINA CROSS
(singer)
Age: 49
Dance partner: Aaron Gilmore
Why are you doing the show? To see if I can still hack the pace. I hope to inspire mature women to exercise and get fit, and to raise the awareness of Hospice.
Previous dance experience: I attend Body Jam (hip-hop) gym classes. As a 70s disco queen, an 80s purple-headed techno chick and a 90s musical theatre diva, I have had the best fun faking whatever moves were given to me.
Confidence level: I'm pretty confident that I will deliver to the best of my ability. Trouble is, I'm not 100 per cent sure of what that is.
How will your day job help you on stage? I've been working to a live audience for many years and if I can't deliver the wow factor anymore then I may as well give it up.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? Don't freak out, don't get too cocky, eat well, rest well, don't let your teenagers stress you out, get those crock pot recipes happening, get the cleaner twice not once a week and don't forget to pay the bills.
A paso doble is ... Hang on, gotta check it on the internet. Okay, my interpretation is a theatrical Spanish style dance set in march time, that much I understand. It also said something about music at bullfights. I'd better ask Aaron.
MONTY BETHAM
(league player/boxer)
Age: 29
Dance partner: Nerida Jantti
Why are you doing the show? This being my first year for a decade out of professional sport, I couldn't think of a challenge that was more difficult and exciting.
Previous dance experience: When forced at family functions or after a few drinks at a nightclub.
Confidence level: You always have to be confident although there are days where you struggle. It's how you return which matters.
How will your day job help you on stage? It keeps me fit and light on my feet.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? Work hard, work harder and enjoy what you do.
A paso doble is ... A very cool dance, and it sure helped Paul Holmes.
GEELING NG
(actor/restaurateur)
Age: 47
Dance partner: Brian Jones
Why are you doing the show? I'm beginning to wonder myself - I must be crazy! No, seriously, I want to spread the word about the Breast Cancer Research Trust.
Previous dance experience: I would have to say nil.
Confidence level: Changes daily depending on my bio-rhythms, and whether I managed to do the "double-reverse, fall-back, slip-pivot, double reverse, ronde, contra-check" successfully or not.
How will your day job help you on stage? Refer to question 2.
Any other tactics or strategies to help you win? Stop thinking, keep breathing - that's my motto.
A paso doble is ... A lively style of dance that originated in southern France but is modelled after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight. Well that's what is says on Wikipedia anyway. I have no idea what it means.
LOWDOWN
What: Dancing with the Stars, hosted by Jason Gunn and Candy Lane, with judges Brendan Cole, Alison Leonard, Craig Revel-Horwood and Paul Mercurio.
When & where: TV One, from Tuesday February 26, 8.30pm
Also: The opening show has a live performance from Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
