Stars stepping on to the dance floor

Christine Rankin is one of the celebrities we'll see sashaying around the dance floor this season.

The secret's out - here are the eight famous people competing in the second series of the hit learn-to-dance reality show.

The Herald asked each of them why they took up the Dancing with the Stars challenge, how good their sense of rhythm is now before the weeks of training kick in, and who they think might win.


CHRISTINE RANKIN

Age: 52

Why did you say yes? It's a huge challenge and it's glamorous. I also love the idea of contributing, possibly significantly, to the charity I feel passionate about.

Previous dance experience? Had ballroom lessons at about 10 years old. No help whatsoever at the moment.

Previous reality TV experience? None.

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year? On dancing ability, not popularity, Tim Shadbolt, although I am probably not as good.

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? I really haven't got a clue.

Charity: For the Sake of the Children Trust.

Partner: David Yeates.



RODNEY HIDE

Age: 49

Why did you say yes? Trying to dance on camera is the most terrifying thing I can imagine. Once asked, I felt I had to rise to the biggest challenge I have ever confronted.

Previous dance experience? None.

Previous reality TV experience? Um ... Parliament?

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year's show? I'm the politician. I guess I am a cross between Tim Shadbolt and Georgie Beyer.

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? It's wide open. I haven't seen any of the others dance yet. And who would ever have picked Norm?

Charity: St Johns New Zealand.

Partner: Krystal Stuart.



BEATRICE FAUMUINA

Age: 31

Why did you say yes? Was keen to learn more of the art of dance, face a new challenge and help my chosen charity.

Previous dance experience? Zero dance experience, a level below beginners.

Previous reality TV experience? This is a first.

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year's show? The common factor that I may have with last year's competitors is complete shock at the amount of work that is required to feel confident in the first dance!

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? Whoever has the public support ... and may their chosen charity gain the true benefit of having us learn a new routine each week. Should be an interesting journey!

Charity: National Heart Foundation.

Partner: Brian Jones.



DAVID WIKAIRA-PAUL

Age: 21

Why did you say yes? Two reasons - one, a good experience that might help me down the line. And two, I thought it would be an awesome challenge for me.

Previous dance experience? Boogie Wonderland helped me out a bit.

Previous reality TV experience? I was once on a show called So You Wanna Be a Popstar.

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year's show? Tim Shadbolt and Nicky Watson? Jason Gunn, actually.

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? Lorraine Downes 'cos she's pretty as!!!

Charity: Variety Club of New Zealand.

Partner: Rebecca Nicholson.



ANGELA BLOOMFIELD

Age: 33

Why did you say yes? I knew it would be a lot of fun, and aside from money going to my chosen charity, a chance to tone up after having recently had a baby. I have been out of the public eye for quite some time and thought it would be a great relaunch back into my industry.

Previous dance experience? I did ballet when I was younger, and have ended up on the dance floor at most of the weddings I've been to of late. I love a good boogie, even if I do feel rhythmically challenged at times.

Previous reality TV experience? Absolutely none, and my only fear with this show was just that it is a reality TV show and I am an actor, the two are at opposite ends of the TV spectrum. However, Dancing with the Stars gives me a chance to challenge myself in other areas that may benefit my acting, like performing in front of an audience - one of my biggest fears!

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year's show?

I am the Theresa Healey of the first season - actress and mother.

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? Lorraine and Aaron, or David and Rebecca.

Charity: Royal New Zealand Plunket Society.

Partner: Jonny Williams.



DANYON LOADER

Age: 30

Why did you say yes? I have always enjoyed watching and have a lot of respect for people who can dance. So now I have an opportunity to learn how to dance.

Previous dance experience? I have had 10 hours of swing dance lessons. The first time I went along, I have never been so nervous in my life. I just had to be open to the situation and laugh at myself. Had a lot of fun doing it though.

Previous reality TV experience? None, really. Although I have been in the news and featured in documentaries. You can't get more reality than that.

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year's show? I wouldn't say I'm equivalent to any competitor from last year. We have different skills and experience. I am inspired by all of the celebrities in the previous season. To put themselves out there like that does take a lot of courage.

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? I have no idea who's going to win. All of them have the skills to be able to win. And it's also difficult to predict who the public will vote for.

Charity: The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand.

Partner: Hayley Holt.



LORRAINE DOWNES

Age: 41

Why did you say yes? Because I love dancing and thought it would be a fun and challenging experience and a super-fast way of learning lots of wonderful new dances.

Previous dance experience? I first danced modern jazz as a teenager and have been social dancing the Argentinian Tango for two years. Apart from that I have been known to spend a bit of time on the dance floor at Boogie Wonderland - but thankfully each time it's been very crowded!

Previous reality TV experience? None. Apart from my experience as Miss Universe, which was pretty much a year of intense media focus as I travelled around the world, but no behind-the-scenes shots were allowed - thank goodness!

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year's show? That's a tricky one. I think I'm a combination of Theresa Healey and Norm Hewitt - lots of previous experience in the public eye but now trying a whole new deal!

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? I think Rodney will give it a great shot and definitely be a finalist, Beatrice has to be up there with her natural grace and poise, but then again Christine, Danyon and Steve have lots of experience in the mental toughness department, so who knows? And the others are all professionally trained performers - maybe I should opt out now and be the tea lady!

Charity: Child Cancer Foundation.

Partner: Aaron Gilmore.



STEVE GURNEY

Age: 42

Why did you say yes? Several reasons ... [and he gives several which are a lengthy motivational talk in themselves. They include a coincidental New Year's resolution to learn to dance; discovering a new world since retiring from adventure racing; it being a nice change from his participation in last year's Fight for Life; wanting to emulate the more social and courteous ways of his parents' and grandparents' generation through dancing; encouraging people to go dancing and to help fight the obesity epidemic] ... and the chance to meet some hot women!

Previous dancing experience? None! I'm terrified of dancing in a bar. I'm very self-conscious.

Previous reality TV experience? The Zone, course design and commentator in The Summit, Blood Sweat and Fears.

You're the equivalent of which competitor(s) from last year's show? The most unco-ordinated ones!

Other than yourself, who are you picking to win this year? I'm picking the public to be the winners, as it will inspire some of them to get out and dance. This will be a great investment in the fitness of the community, and in people's ability to socialise.

Charity: Cure Kids.

Partner: Sharan Phillips.


* Sunday May 7, 8.30pm, TV1