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The lowdown: England's five Strictly Come Dancing cricketers

Graeme Swann is the fifth former England cricketer to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. Can he go all the way?

Graeme Swann has swapped the ball for the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.

But can he match the performances of the other four England players to appear on the BBC show?

We examine the form:

Mark Ramprakash

Top scorer: transferring his deft footwork from the crease to the dance floor, Ramprakash and partner Karen Hardy took home the prized Glitterball trophy when they were crowned series four champions in 2006.  

Their triumph wasn't without its challenges. They became the first couple to re-start a routine after their initial attempt saw Ramprakash’s mic get caught in Hardy’s dress during a salsa. They still managed to achieve the highest score of the night!

Strictly Come Dancing average score (out of maximum of 40 points): 32.8 

Judges' verdict: statistically the leading Strictly cricketer of all time.

"I'd never say I was confident going out to dance because it can take one small lapse in concentration and you can go wrong"

Mark Ramprakash

Darren Gough

Opening up: Gough was the first cricketer to appear on Strictly, donning his dance shoes in 2005. 

Strictly Come Dancing average score: 31.2

Judges' verdict: his partner Lilia Kopylova proved a more than adequate replacement for Andrew Caddick as the pair won the series three final (despite never finishing top of the judges' leaderboard).

Phil Tufnell

The former England spinner appeared on Strictly in 2009, displaying good consistency after a forgettable ‘Cha cha cha’ in week two. 

Strictly Come Dancing average score: 26.7

Judges' verdict: despite a personal best of 31/40 in week nine, Tuffers exited the show after a dance off with Eastender Ricky Groves.

Michael Vaughan

Michael Vaughan’s Strictly Come Dancing effort started particularly poorly – his 15-point jive in week two an undeniable low point.

Unfazed by this scratchy start, the 2005 Ashes-winning England skipper proved more comfortable with the slow stuff, collecting his top score of 35/40 for an American smooth.

Strictly Come Dancing average score: 26.2

Judges' verdict: Vaughan bowed out in seventh place after a head-to-head with Nicky Byrne of Westlife.

Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann is partnered by Oti Mabuse in the 2018 edition of Strictly. The former off-spinner opened his account dancing the samba to Soul Limbo by Booker T and the MGs and will no doubt be looking to follow in the rhythmic footsteps of Gough and Ramprakash.

Strictly Come Dancing average score: 24.6

Judges' verdict: "Not bad at all" – Darcey Bussell.