Beginning in the autumn, a whole new roster of celebrities will compete on Strictly Come Dancing in the hopes of winning the Glitterball trophy. There is a lot to be thrilled about, from soap opera stars to presenters and potentially even the first-ever celebrity pair on Strictly.
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They'll be waltzing, tangoing, and giving us hot sambas throughout 12 to 13 weeks in an effort to win the leaderboard. Ultimately, only one celebrity and their professional dance partner will be proclaimed the winners this year. Here’s a list of confirmed stars taking part in Strictly this year
Confirmed list of celeb for Strictly Come Dancing
Amanda Abbington
The 49-year-old Sherlock star found it hard to keep her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing a secret. She 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
On Friday's episode of The One Show, Angela was revealed as a Strictly star. At 78 years old, she will be the show's oldest celebrity to take part in the show. The renowned newsreader has worked in the entertainment industry for 50 years and dances to stay in shape, reported Mirror. Angela said:
I have to admit, the first words out of my mouth when I was asked were: 'Well why didn't they ask me ten years ago when I was a little bit younger!' Why? well, I love dance. I presented Come Dancing.
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
Layton, a 28-year-old actor on television and the stage, has appeared in a number of West End productions, including Everyone's Talking About Jamie and Billy Elliot. The talented star is also known for playing Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie and recently rebooted series. He 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!
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Angela Scanlon
BBC2's Your House Made Perfect host was announced as the part of Strictly 2023 line-up. Angela is the only woman in UK and Ireland to have her own Saturday night chat show with Ask Me Anything on RTÉ One.
Talking about her participation in the show, she 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!
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Channel 4 News anchor and award-winning journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy is yet another name added to the list of celebs joining Strictly Come Dancing this year. The 53-year-old is excited to entertain people with his skills.
He 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
Comedian Eddie Kadi is the 7th star to join the line-up for 2023 Strictly Come Dancing. BBC's 1 Xtra station host promises to bring 'vibes' to the dancefloor and is proud and honoured to be taking part in the show.
Eddie said:
I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.
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Zara McDermott
The former Love Island star is making history as she is the first ever ITV dating reality show contestant to appear on BBC's Strictly. Her stint was announced on the show on Monday afternoon as she revealed she was 'scared' and 'excited' to take part on the show.
Zara revealed:
I've been rewatching last year's in detail, analysing everything, every dance.
I'm scared, scared but excited. There is gonna be challenges with everything. I'm excited for the slower stuff. It's such a far cry from my day job… this is live, you cannot make a mistake. You get one take and one take only. This is so far out of my comfort zone.
Adam Thomas
Famous soap star Adam Thomas who appears on ITV's Emmerdale and BBC One's Waterloo Road is the 8th contestant confirmed to be on the show. The 34-year-old star shared he was excited to be joining the show.
Adam shared:
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
BBC Asian Network's Breakfast Show host Nikita Kanda will be showcasing her dancing talent with the rest of the stars this year. The 28-year-old is excited and still processing her participation on the show.
Nikita 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 dance floor.
I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!
Ellie Leach
The 22-year-old Coronation Street star is the latest celebrity added to the list. Ellie who has a history of hitting hard storylines including being pregnant at 13 is looking forward to her appearance.
Ellie shared:
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
The eleventh celebrity to be confirmed for this year's Strictly Come Dancing is the World and Paralympic Champion Jody Cundy. The 44-year-old has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics winning eight Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals across swimming and cycling events.
Announcing his participation on the dancing competition this year, he 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.
Bobby Brazier
Eastenders star Bobby Brazier is ready to rock the dance floor on BBC's Strictly this year. The 20-year-old is probably the youngest star to join this year's lineup and 'can't wait' to join the show.
Bobby expressed:
I’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
The Eastenders actor Nigel Harman is set to take the dance floor this winter on Strictly. Nigel has also appeared on Casualty and Downtown Abbey. His candidature on the dance competition was announced on Lorraine's show.
Nigel shared:
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
The 14th star to join the Strictly lineup is none other than former British Number One tennis player Annabel Croft. She was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years at the age of 15 years.
Expressing her feelings on Virgin Radio's Breakfast show, she 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
The final contestant of the iconic dance competition is comedian Les Dennis. The 69-year-old started his career on the Working Men’s Club circuit in and around Liverpool. However, ever since his first big break on the TV Talent show New Faces, his career has moved onwards and upwards.
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.
Sources Used
The Mirror: Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up in full so far and every rumoured star
