Gallery: This season's contestantsKEY POINTS:
They may be the jokers of the pack, but Peter Urlich and Martin Devlin are serious contenders for this year's Dancing With the Stars title, according to reigning champion Suzanne Paul.
The fourth season of the popular programme will debut on TV One tonight, with a special appearance by Paul, who will perform a jive with last year's partner Stefano Oliveri.
After watching the rehearsals yesterday, Paul gave the Herald a full rundown of this year's contestants.
Her favourite to win is Silver Fern Temepara George, though Paul admits she may be biased as the netballer is partnered with her former dance partner.
"I do think Stefano and Temepara stand a really good chance. She has the rhythm and she's very strong in the arms and legs from her netballing. That's good for the Latin."
Paul said 32-year-old George's personality shines through when she dances and she is happy on the dance floor.
Radio presenter Peter Urlich is also a strong contender, said Paul, who was surprised by the larrikin's elegance.
"I was quite moved with Peter and Hayley's waltz. The hair's went up on the back of my neck when I saw them," she said this afternoon.
"I don't know what his Latin's like though. We'll have to see if he's flexible enough for it."
Likewise, former Radio Live host and sports commentator Martin Devlin surprised Paul with his dancefloor prowess.
"He and Lauren [de Boeck] are similar shapes and sizes so they look like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers gliding around together."
Singer Tina Cross will also be a keen competitor, said Paul, who she described as a little pocket rocket.
Not everyone fared so well during the rehearsals, however.
Former league star-turned-boxer Monty Betham, who is partnered with Nerida Jantti, had an obvious case of nerves during rehearsals and looked "a bit solid", said Paul.
As did restaurateur Geeling Ng, aka David Bowie's China Girl, who is partnered with Brian Jones.
"You could see that she was thinking a lot about the dance and it showed in her face," said Paul.
Which could prove a problem for Ng, as Paul believes the face is a key component of the competition.
"A lot of the time the public are just watching your face to see if you're enjoying it and having a good time. They don't like it when people look nervous, upset and worried."
Other competitors include former Shortland Street actress Miriama Smith and Ironman Cory Hutchings.
* Dancing With the Stars screens tonight, at 8.30pm, on TV One.
