It's that time of year again... as Strictly Come Dancing confirms which celebrities will be taking to the dance floor for this year's series.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One for its 21st series this autumn, once again bringing glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation.
Those confirmed to be taking part, are...
Amanda Abbington
Stage and screen actor
Amanda Abbington is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Amanda has starred in some of the UK’s top drama TV series, including Sherlock, Mr Selfridge, Wolfe, and Desperate Measures, she also had a lead role in the series The Net and feature film The Lost King.
Her illustrious television acting career spans three decades and she has also performed in various plays in well-renowned theatres across the country, she has recently starred in the West End transfer of Steven Moffat’s The Unfriend.
Her role as Mary Morstan in Sherlock won her the Best Supporting Actress gong at the Crime Thriller Awards, alongside nominations for this role at the Critic’s Choice Television Awards.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Amanda Abbington said "I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things! Plus, I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about. I’m really looking forward to the training too, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you. I can’t wait to start!"
Angela Rippon CBE
Journalist, TV presenter, newsreader, and author
Angela Rippon CBE is the second celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Angela’s career spans over 50 years, having presented a wide variety of programmes from hard news and current affairs, to quiz shows and magazine programmes for broadcasters across the world.
She currently presents BBC's Rip-Off Britain and is a regular on Morning Live and The One Show, she presented the original Come Dancing between 1988 – 1991 and has fronted shows such as Top Gear, Antiques Roadshow, The Holiday Programme, Crufts, How to Stay Young and The Truth About Dementia to name a few.
In 2004 she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to Broadcasting, Charity and the Arts, then in the 2017 New Year Honours Angela was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to dementia care.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Angela Rippon said "Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentinian Tango!!"
Layton Williams
Film and theatre actor.
Layton Williams is the third celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Layton is best known as a stage and screen actor and has performed in London’s West End, giving performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.
Stage shows also include Thriller Live, Rent, Hairspray and New Adventures. He is best known on TV for playing Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie and recently rebooted series. Other TV features include Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner, and I Hate Suzie. Layton is the voiceover artist for the UK's first gay dating show, I Kissed a Boy on BBC Three.
He runs his own performing arts company ‘Pros from the Shows’ with hopes to inspire the next generation of performers. Over the years he has been the recipient of multiple Black British Theatre Awards, plus an Attitude Award for his work and visibility in the LGBTQ+ community.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Layton Williams said "Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It's time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!"
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Journalist and broadcaster
Krishnan Guru-Murthy is the fourth celebrity contestant confirmed the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Krishnan is best known as the main anchor of Channel 4 News, as well as reporting for the foreign affairs series Unreported World and hosting live debates for Channel 4 during elections, referendums and major crises, he also won the Royal Television Society Journalism Award for best Network Presenter in 2022.
Since joining the team in 1998 he has covered major events from the Omagh bombing to the 911 attacks and from the Arab Spring to the Ukraine War. He also commentates on live events for Channel 4 such as the Paralympics Ceremonies, and presents programmes outside the news including the first live televised Autopsy. He presents the Channel 4 News podcast Ways to Change the World.
He started his TV career at the BBC presenting youth programmes before moving on to Newsround, Newsnight, BBC World and News 24.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Krishnan Guru-Murthy said "I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘you only live once!’ and I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude. I know I’m going to love it and have a brilliant time and just hope I’m not the only one enjoying my participation."
Eddie Kadi
Stand-up comedian and radio presenter
Eddie Kadi is the fifth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand-up personalities, British-Congolese Eddie Kadi, continues to dominate the world of comedy, reaching across cultures and continents and performing to huge crowds all over the world. His signature brand of brilliant, bold, high-energy entertainment has won him an ever-growing international fanbase and he was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.
Eddie’s worldwide reputation has seen him host both the official red carpet show for BET International and BET Africa in Los Angeles as well as being the main stage host for the Afro Nation Festivals across the world.
He has hosted the prestigious MOBO Awards and appeared on numerous TV formats including Blankety Blank, The National Comedy Awards, Tonight with Target, +44 Presents: The Noughties Podcast, Don’t Hate the Playaz, and Road to Afro Nation: Davido Live. He also fronts The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and is a Team Captain on ITV’s entertainment format Sorry, I Didn’t Know.
This year, Eddie has been nominated for both the prestigious Royal Television Society Best Breakthrough Award and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards. He is also in production for his own documentary with Channel 4.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Eddie Kadi said "WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE."
Angela Scanlon
TV Presenter
Angela Scanlon is the sixth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Angela Scanlon is an Irish Television presenter for the BBC and RTÉ. She hosts the hugely-successful interior design show Your Home Made Perfect on BBC Two. Angela is the only woman in the UK and Ireland to have their own Saturday night chat show with Ask Me Anything on RTÉ One.
Last year, Angela published her first book Joyrider, part empowering guide and part memoir, all about the importance of bringing gratitude into everyday life. Starting off as a stylist, she worked in fashion TV in Ireland, before beginning her UK career as the new presenter of Robot Wars along with documentaries for the BBC.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Angela Scanlon said: "I’m terrified, I’m excited and I have so many questions. Will they make me tan? How itchy are sequins?! Do they do flesh coloured sports bras? Well - there’s only one way to find out, right!? Now I’m panicking a bit… but also secretly thrilled about the prospect of all that glitter. Let’s go!"
Zara McDermott
Broadcaster and content creator
Zara McDermott is the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Zara was a government policy advisor, working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Department of Education before appearing on Love Island in 2018.
One of Zara’s biggest passions is making documentaries that inspire conversation and educate young people on hard-hitting issues, she has fronted five successful BBC films so far: Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge. Her other broadcasting work includes presenting the entertainment show Love In The Flesh on BBC Three.
Zara’s work for young people has been recognised on several occasions; she was invited to Clarence House by the Duchess of Cornwall and Refuge charity and worked with the Duchess on a visit to a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre).
Alongside this, she has worked with the government and the Home Office on several campaigns to end violence against women and girls, most notably fronting a campaign that changed the law for victims of digital abuse. Zara is also an ambassador for the Shaping Us campaign for the Centre of Early Childhood, which was launched by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Zara McDermott said "I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life. I even remember the first ever series, and being mesmerised by all the beautiful dresses! I can’t wait to throw myself into this experience and start training. It’s going to be incredible."
Adam Thomas
Actor and TV presenter
Adam Thomas is the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Adam is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale, in which he won a TV Choice award for Best Soap Newcomer. More recently he is known for reprising his role as Donte Charles in BBC One’s Waterloo Road after being an original cast member in the original series.
He appeared in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2016, and went on to co-host the spin-off–I’m a Celebrity: Extra Camp.
In 2020 Adam teamed up with his brothers Ryan and Scott for six-part ITV travel series Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai where they took their late father back to Mumbai to trace their heritage and long lost relatives, and to see for the first time the country where the brothers descended from. He also co-hosts popular podcast series Mancs on the Mic, alongside his brothers.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Adam Thomas said "I am so excited to be joining the cast of this year's Strictly Come Dancing. I've been such a big fan of the show for years, I can't believe I'm actually doing it! I can't dance to save my life but I'm buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor...I can't wait!"
Nikita Kanda
Radio host and TV presenter
Nikita Kanda is the ninth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Nikita is best known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show, previously having presented the Saturday afternoon show. She has interviewed everyone from Killing Eve star Sandra Oh, Bridgerton actors Kate Sharma and Charithra Chandran, to Marvel actress Awkwafina and global pop star Nick Jonas.
Recently nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards, Nikita has also fronted regular reports on BBC One’s The One Show on a range of topics from the rise of cashless businesses to government support for female sport.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Nikita Kanda said "I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!"
Ellie Leach
Actor
Ellie Leach is the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Ellie is best known for portraying Faye Windass for 12 years on Coronation Street, nominated for multiple British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards for her role, hard hitting storylines included being pregnant at 13, discovering she was going through the menopause and reconnecting with the child she gave up - which led to her departing the cobbles earlier this year.
Prior to Coronation Street Ellie appeared in independent movie A Boy Called Dad and drama Moving On.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Ellie Leach said "It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Jody Cundy CBE
World and Paralympic Champion
Jody Cundy CBE is the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Jody is a decorated World and Paralympic Champion, he has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics winning eight Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals across swimming and cycling events. He has also competed in multiple World Championships, winning 23 world titles. The most recent win coming at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow this week .
After competing at Tokyo 2021, Jody became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games. In 2012 the Anglia Ruskin University made him and Honorary Doctor in Health Sciences, and a month later he was given an Honorary Master of Science degree from the University of Hertfordshire.
In 2009 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Disability sport, in 2017 this was upgraded to an OBE for his services to Swimming & Cycling & in 2022 he received a CBE for services to cycling.
He currently holds the world record in the Flying 200m and the 1km Time Trial. He also holds 14 consecutive world titles in the MC4 Kilo Time Trial.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Jody Cundy CBE said "Excited to be welcomed into the Strictly family and throw myself head first into the world of ballroom dancing. So far away from what I’m used to, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor” Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins!"
Bobby Brazier
Actor and model
Bobby Brazier is the twelfth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Bobby is a 20-year-old British Model, and Actor, best known for his role as Freddie Slater in UK Soap Opera, EastEnders. Full of energy and sparkle, with boyish good looks and cheeky Essex charm; he has graced the runway for world renowned fashion house, Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week, sat front row alongside Lewis Hamilton at London Fashion Week and starred on the cover of acclaimed style magazine, ‘Man About Town’.
Across socials, the Gen-Z star regularly shares life updates and shows off his spiritual side as a passionate advocate for positive mental health and well-being.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Bobby Brazier said "’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I'm looking forward to performing in-front of everyone, it's going to be so much fun!"
Nigel Harman
TV, film, and theatre actor and director.
Nigel Harman is the thirteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Nigel’s acting career started when he was eight, working on multiple TV series, theatre shows, and the odd movie.
Most recently joining BBC’s Casualty as Max Cristie, Holby ED's new Clinical Lead. Nigel was also in EastEnders playing Dennis Rickman and appeared in Downton Abbey. Among many stage credits, Nigel has performed in Guys and Dolls in London’s West End and Shrek the Musical, which he then went on to direct for the UK tour. His film work includes roles in Blood Diamond, Telstar, and The Outsiders for ITV.
His role as Dennis Rickman won him multiple awards, including Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards. He also has an Olivier for his role in Shrek. When he’s not on our screens, Nigel enjoys teaching meditation, practicing and sharing mindfulness guidance.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Nigel Harman said "I'm amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it's my turn.....gulp!"
Annabel Croft
Former British Number One tennis player
Annabel Croft is the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Annabel is a former British Number One tennis player who at 15 years old was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years.
She also represented Great Britain in prestigious Wightman and Federation Cup competitions and continues to play an integral role in the coverage of Wimbledon each year and has done for many years.
Outside of tennis, Annabel has fronted entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Inceptor and has enjoyed a long-lasting broadcast career covering all the major tennis events worldwide. Her TV and radio career includes presenting, commentating, and working as a highly respected pundit for all the major broadcasters including BBC, Sky, Amazon Prime, ITV and Discovery.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Annabel Croft said "I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process."
Les Dennis
TV Personality, actor and entertainer
Les Dennis is the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Les Dennis has been in showbiz for over 50 years, including famously hosting Family Fortunes for 16 years.
Les Dennis started his career as a comedian on the Working Men’s Club circuit in and around his native Liverpool. He got his big break on TV Talent show New Faces, and went on to star in sketch and variety show The Laughter Show, forming a double-act with the late Dustin Gee.
His TV career includes roles in Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders and two years in Coronation Street.
On stage he’s starred with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Opera, and in hit plays and musicals such as Hairspray, Legally Blonde The Musical and 42nd Street.
Speaking about taking part in Strictly, Les Dennis said "“I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait."
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One
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