So, it’s back. For the next fourteen weeks about twelve million viewers will tune into the new series of the immensely successful show, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. You want to think it’s popularity is a peculiarity of the British mind, like pantomimes, an eccentricity viewed by the rest of the bemused world, as another inexplicable but harmless quirk of our unique culture. But it’s exported over all the world and is just as popular wherever it’s shown. There are just some things that defy explanation.

It’s good news for online betting fans though. Another opportunity for you all to try and fathom out which of the male celebrities will best fulfil the fevered fantasies of the largely middle aged female audience. You’ve got to remember, Strictly Come Dancing isn’t entirely about dancing prowess. It’s also about muscled legs, boyish charm and understated sexuality. It’s a bit like meeting your new girlfriend’s mother, doing your best to make a good impression and then discovering she wants to ravish you. The shrewdest of the candidates will know this already and lay it on thick. Rugby players do well so look out for Austin Healey. Mark Foster has the ‘phwoar’ factor big time. The audience thinks Tom Chambers, the bookies favourite, is a doctor, which can only help. John Sergeant will charm as usual but bears an uncanny resemblance to the old, snoring other half of too many viewers to finally appeal.

ItÂ’s less certain what decisive factor endears the female celebrities to the public. A smouldering chemistry between the two dancing partners is no hindrance if Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole in the first series are anything to go by. Behind scenes shots can reveal a petulance that is certain death while harsh treatment from judges can sometimes cause a wave of sympathy. Everybody thinks Rachel Stevens will be the front runner but Lisa Snowdon paired with Brendan Cole will attract stacks of media attention. And what about the fabulously gorgeous Christine Bleakley? Paired with Matthew Cutler, she could be the surprise.