Strictly full line-up revealed as comedy legend joins soap stars and Love Island bombshell for this year’s show
IT’S nearly that time again… yes, the countdown is on for Strictly Come Dancing to return to our screens, and it’s time to meet the people we’ll be spending Saturday night with.
As always, it’s a bumper crop of soap stars, sports legends, and there’s even a reality star in the mix, with the show letting Love Island’s Zara McDermott waltz onto the series.
Here The Sun reveals the celebs who will be cha-cha-chasing Strictly‘s famous glitterball trophy in 2023 – it’s going to be a good’un!
Les Dennis
Rumoured name Les is in line to be unveiled by Strictly as the final celebrity tomorrow (August 11), to cap off the show’s glittering reveal week.
The entertainer was previously asked to join the show when he starred on Coronation Street but was unable to sign up due to ITV’s policy.
But he’s likely to have nimble feet as a pantomime veteran.
Angela Rippon
Telly legend Angela Rippon is Strictly Come Dancing‘s oldest ever contestant after being officially confirmed for the new series.
The much-loved presenter has plenty of dance form having hosted the previous incarnation of the BBC show between 1988 and 1991, then returning in 1998 before it ended.
And in 1976 she stunned 27million viewers of Morecambe and Wise’s Christmas special when she emerged from her newsreader’s desk to perform a high-kicking dance routine.
But it’s not be her first time on the latest run of the show – she made a cameo appearance last year as part of the BBC’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
And she featured on a Children in Need special in 2011 — the same year she was a contestant on Dancing on Ice.
Layton Williams
Musical theatre star Layton Williams will also be taking to the dance floor.
The 28-year-old is best known as a stage and screen actor and has performed in London’s West End.
Layton’s impressive West End credits include the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.
And I Kissed A Boy fans might recognise him too, as he’s the voice over artist for the hit BBC show.
Amanda Abbington
Amanda Abbington will also be dancing onto the Strictly floor.
The actress has starred in some of the UK’s top drama TV series, including Sherlock, Mr Selfridge, Wolfe, and Desperate Measures.
The 49-year-old actress has an illustrious acting career that spans three decaded and she has also performed in various plays in well renowned theatres across the country, including recently starring 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.
But will she be raising this year’s Strictly glitterball trophy?
Nigel Harman
From one actor to another, Nigel Harman has reportedly signed up to the BBC dance show when it returns this autumn.
The 49-year-old heartthrob played Dennis Rickman on Albert Square, who married his adopted sister Sharon, played by Letitia Dean.
Nigel’s EastEnders character was killed off in 2006 when he was stabbed on New Year’s Day and died in Sharon’s arms.
He went on to star in Downton Abbey as evil valet Mr Green. His character was at the centre of a violent rape scene involving lady’s maid Anna, played by Joanne Froggatt.
These days Nigel can be seen on BBC soap Casualty playing doctor Max Christie.
Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott will be the show’s first ever Love Island star to take part.
The 26-year-old, who took part in the ITV2 programme in 2018, will show off her best moves on the dance floor later this year.
Since shooting to fame five years ago, Zara has created her own documentaries for the BBC and appeared on The X Factor: Celebrity.
Now the media personality is going to take on something completely different.
Bobby Brazier
Jade Goody’s oldest son Bobby Brazier is to sign up for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing too.
The EastEnders star, 20, waltzed to the top of the BBC’s wishlist after wowing fans of the soap as Freddie Slater.
A show source said: “Bobby is the dream signing for Strictly — he’s a young heart-throb who comes with a huge fanbase.
“He also has a very personal backstory and there’s so much love out there for Jade.”
Bobby, born to Jade and TV star Jeff Brazier, first started work as a model but has since turned to acting.
Now it’s time for him to take on dancing!
Adam Thomas
On the topic of soap heartthrobs, Adam Thomas is set to join the show too.
The actor made his breakthrough on ITV’s Emmerdale as Adam Barton and finished third in 2016’s I’m A Celebrity.
He now stars in the BBC school drama Waterloo Road.
Adam, 34, is one of a trio of famous siblings. His twin brother is Love Island star Scott and brother Ryan, 39, was in Coronation Street.
Angela Scanlon
The One Show host Angela Scanlon, 39, is thought to already be an ‘early contender’ as she became one of the first to join the show.
She told Radio 2’s Gaby Roslin: “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?”
As well as being a reporter on The One Show, the Irish star is known for BBC2 show Your House Made Perfect.
Ellie Leach
Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach is set to bounce back from heartbreak by signing for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress, who left the ITV1 soap after playing Faye Windass since 2011, recently split from her boyfriend model Reagan Pettman after five years together.
Now Ellie, 22, may welcome the infamous “Strictly curse” which sees celebrity contestants fall in love with the sexy pros on the BBC1 dance show.
A TV insider said: “This could be just the tonic for Ellie, who’s had some huge life changes this year and could do with something fresh to focus on.
“As well as splitting from Reagan she left Corrie, a show which she effectively grew up on as she joined the cast when she was just a child.
“It’s going to take some adjusting to, but Strictly is part of opening up a new chapter for Ellie.
“The dance contest will also give her a chance to get glammed up in a way which she rarely did on the cobbles of Weatherfield as Faye was a comparatively frumpy character.
“The only time Ellie was seen dressed to the nines was when she was walking the red carpet at events as herself.”
Annabel Croft
Former UK tennis No1 Annabel, 57, is going to be serving up some moves as the Wimbledon host is part of this year’s line-up.
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.”
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.
Outside of tennis, Annabel has fronted entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Inceptor and enjoyed a long broadcasting career covering all the major tennis events worldwide.
Former BBC Sports star – and ex-Strictly man – Dan Walker was among those backing her insisting: “She’ll be great.”
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
It’s just not Strictly without a usually-staid newsreader dressed up in sparkly outfits and making missteps all over the place.
But could Channel 4 News host Krishnan, 53, actually surprise everyone with his dance moves?
Well, he certainly has the enthusiasm – though he has admitted he is worried about his “general decrepitude”.
The newsman explained: “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 will be swapping the mic for a pair of dancing shoes.
Eddie is recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand up personalities.
He continues to dominate the world of comedy, reaching across cultures and continents and performing to huge crowds all over the world.
Eddie 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.”
Jody Cundy
Paralympic star Jody Cundy is taking to the dance floor.
The 44-year-old said: “I’ve spent my life in Lycra so that bit doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing that scares me.”
The sports star added: “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!”
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.
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.
Les Dennis
Rumours persist around Family Fortunes legend Les, who has long been tipped for a spot on the dancefloor.
The former Coronation Street star is thought to have been a target of Strictly producers for years.
But have they finally got their man?