Rachel Hunter to star in festive Come Dancing special

TV

13:30 21 December 2005

Rachel Hunter is to appear in the Christmas special of hit show 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The contest pits the 36-year-old model - who has taken part in the US version of the show - and her partner Brendan Cole against contestants from the latest series.

Cole famously helped newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky triumph in the first series of the popular programme before embarking on a short-lived romance with her.

Insiders on the show say he is now "pulling out all the stops" to woo Rachel, the ex-wife of Rod Stewart, and has been "laying on the charm with a trowel" during several weeks of intensive training.

He was reportedly overheard telling a friend: "She's the best woman I've ever been paired with."

The model, who has two children from her marriage to Rod, finished fourth in the American version of the show, called 'Dancing With The Stars'.

England cricket star Darren Gough - who was crowned the winner of the latest series last weekend - will be competing in the festive special along with former athlete Colin Jackson and Zoe Ball.

Former heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield will also be strutting his stuff on the dancefloor.

(c) BANG Media International