BRADFORD-born journalist and TV presenter Anita Rani has been paired up with Russian dancer Gleb Savchenko on the BBC's hit show Strictly Come Dancing.

The star contestants, who also include singer Peter Andre, TV chef Ainsley Harriott, pop stars Jay McGuiness and Jamelia, sports anchor Kirsty Gallagher and former Olympic athlete Iwan Thomas, met their professional dance partners on Saturday night's show.

They will spend the next three weeks practising their routines before the 13th series of the show returns to BBC One for its double bill of live shows on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26.

Miss Rani, who was educated at Bradford Girls’ Grammar School, has presented shows for various broadcasters including BBC, Sky, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Her dance partner is also making his Strictly debut but he has taken part in the US version of the show called Dancing With Stars.

Bookmakers Coral has installed Peter Andre as its favourite to take this year's title.