From EastEnders star Nigel Harman to the show’s first ever Love Island signing, here’s all the celebs said to be stepping into the ballroom for season 21.
Strictly season is officially upon us! Fans of the BBC’s long-running dance competition are excited to get their first look at some of the celebrities joining the line-up this year.
After weeks of rumours, official confirmations began on Friday evening, when actor Amanda Abbington, broadcaster Angela Rippon and West End star Layton Williams were announced to be taking part in the sparkly extravaganza.
The revelations continued today, as Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy joined Claudia Winkleman on BBC Radio 2 to discuss being the latest addition to the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up.
Several other names have been heavily rumoured for spots in the cast recently, from soap star Nigel Harman to presenter/comedian Les Dennis, but these are yet to be officially confirmed.
Season 21 is expected to launch on BBC One this September, kicking off another 12 to 13 weeks of waltzes, tangoes and sambas as the stars attempt to top what is sure to be a competitive leaderboard and sail through to the final.
This year’s victor will take over from reigning champ Hamza Yassin, who gave Jowita Przystał her first ever win after joining the show the year before – can she make it a double? Przystał is returning alongside many other Strictly Come Dancing 2023 professionals.
Read on for all the confirmed and potential names on this year’s Strictly line-up, including a rumoured Love Island signing – which would be a first for the show.
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 confirmed line-up
Amanda Abbington – CONFIRMED
Age: 51
Job: Actor
Instagram: amanda_abbington74
Twitter: n/a
Amanda Abbington is best known for playing Mary Morstan in BBC One’s detective drama Sherlock, where she starred opposite then-husband Martin Freeman, while she also appeared as Josie Mardle in ITV period piece Mr Selfridge.
More recently, she has taken roles in UKTV comedy feature We Are Not Alone, Netflix fantasy series Lockwood & Co. and BBC Two anthology Inside No. 9.
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 – CONFIRMED
Age: 78
Job: Newsreader and presenter
Instagram: @theangelarippon
Twitter: @TheAngelaRippon
Well-known former newsreader and TV presenter Angela Rippon will be the oldest contestant in Strictly’s history when she takes to the ballroom floor later this year.
Rippon became the first permanent female journalist to present the BBC national television news back in 1975, and she also hosted original dance show, Come Dancing, from 1988 to 1991 before returning once again in 1998 when the show ended.
Now, Rippon can be seen presenting shows like Rip Off Britain, as a regular voice on BBC gameshow The Wall and is often seen presenting on GB News as a stand-in for Alastair Stewart.
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 – CONFIRMED
Age: 28
Job: Actor, singer and dancer
Instagram: @laytonwilliams
Twitter: @LaytonWilliams
Williams rose to prominence in the theatre scene, with major roles in iconic shows including Billy Elliot, Rent, Hairspray, Kiss Me Kate and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Viewers may also know him from BBC sitcom Bad Education, Sky Atlantic’s darkly comic drama I Hate Suzie Too, or BBC Three’s LGBTQ+ dating show I Kissed A Boy, where he serves as narrator.
Williams said in a statement: “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 – CONFIRMED
Age: 53
Job: Journalist, newsreader
Instagram: @krishgm
Twitter: @krishgm
Krishnan Guru-Murthy is one of the UK’s most recognisable journalists, ranking as the second longest-serving presenter of Channel 4 News – a programme he joined back in 1998.
His career has seen him interview numerous senior politicians and Hollywood stars, while he has also ventured to Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Iraq, South Africa, and Yemen in reports for Unreported World.
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.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 rumoured line-up: Potential contestants
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Job: TV presenter, actor and comedian
Instagram: @lesdennis
Well-known TV presenter and all-round entertainer Les Dennis has reportedly joined the line-up for this year’s Strictly.
Many will undoubtedly recognise Dennis for being at the helm of gameshow Family Fortunes from 1987 until 2002, and he’s also starred in many TV dramas over the years, most notably in Coronation Street as Michael Rodwell.
According to The Mail on Sunday, Dennis was actually first scouted for Strictly back when he appeared on the soap between 2014 and 2016 but had to turn down the appearance because of his ongoing role.
Dennis is currently starring in a touring production of West End musical 42nd Street, so dancing and singing is part of his current day-to-day, which bodes well for Strictly. And according to an insider, Dennis is set to be one of this year’s favourites, saying: “The viewers are going to love Les. He is a TV icon and now he will be dancing on one of the most popular shows around.
“He might be about to turn 70 but he is a showman and he will be great entertainment for those watching at home. There is genuine excitement about Les taking part.”
Brenda Edwards
Age: 54
Job: Presenter, singer and actress
Instagram: @brendaedwardsglobal
Loose Women presenter Brenda Edwards has reportedly signed up for the new season of Strictly and is a “dream signing”, according to a source (via The Mirror).
Edwards has recently been on our screens as a regular panelist on daytime ITV talkshow Loose Women, as well as presenting BBC One’s Songs of Praise.
Aside from that, Edwards is a beloved performer, having finished second place on the second series of The X Factor in 2005, and went on to wow audiences in West End productions like Sister Act, Hairspray, Chicago and We Will Rock You.
She’s also spoken candidly about the loss of her son, Jamal, who died last year. A source said of her reported Strictly signing: “She has a huge fanbase from Loose Women and the talent to go all the way. She also has a very emotional backstory – the nation adores Brenda.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Job: Actor
Instagram: @themeditatingactor
“He’s the kind of guy that those watching at home will fall in love with and you always need one of those… The line-up is going to be a great mix,” an insider revealed.
Harman is best known for playing Sharon Watts’ partner Dennis Rickman on EastEnders for almost three years between April 2003 and December 2005.
Strictly is known for signing soap stars, particularly EastEnders actors, with the likes of James Bye, Molly Rainford, Maisie Smith and Jake Wood previously taking to the dance floor.
In 2021, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis made history as the show’s first ever deaf contestant. She went on to win season 19 with her Giovanni Pernice.
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Job: Reality TV star and documentary presenter
Instagram: @zara_mcdermott
Zara McDermott is reportedly set to make history as the first ever Love Island contestant to take part in Strictly.
“Zara is the perfect signing for Strictly, not only is she beautiful and glamorous but she is hardworking and will take being on the show very seriously,” a source told MailOnline.
“She’s absolutely loved the experience of documentary making and is over the moon to further her relationship with the BBC by signing up to Strictly.
“It is a dream come true for her and becoming the first former Love Island star to do so is the icing on the cake.”
Zara took part in the ITV2 dating show in 2018, leaving the show in a relationship with fellow islander Adam Collard. The pair split, and she went on to date Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson who she’s still in a relationship with.
Since appearing on Love Island, Zara has fronted several documentaries for BBC Three, including one on her experience of revenge porn and the rise of eating disorders among teens.
According to the source, Strictly bosses believe having Zara, 26, on the programme will attract more younger people to watch the show and give her the opportunity to further her career with the broadcaster.
Jill Scott
Age: 36
Job: Former footballer player
Instagram: @jillscottjs8
She was crowned the Queen of the Jungle last year, and now it sounds like Lioness Jill Scott is eyeing up another trophy, with the footballer player said to be gearing up to appear on season 21 of Strictly.
Ade Adepitan
Age: 50
Job: TV presenter and wheelchair basketball player
Instagram: @adeadepitan
The BBC is said to be keen to sign TV presenter and wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan for this year’s show. Earlier this year it was reported that the Strictly were planning to cast a wheelchair user. As an adored TV figure, Ade’s signing will be welcomed by fans.
Emma and Matt Willis
Instagram: @emmawillisofficial and @mattjwillis
For season 21, Strictly is said to be lining up their first celebrity couple to compete against each other since Gabby and Kenny Logan in season 4, and they have their eyes on The Voice presenter Emma Willis, 47, and her husband, musician Matt Willis, 40. But, who will take home the Glitterball? Our money’s on Emma!
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Job: TV presenter
Instagram: @angelascanlon
Although not confirmed, it’s been reported that TV presenter Angela Scanlon could appear on Strictly later this year. Scanlon already has a relationship with the BBC, having worked on The One Show and Your Home Made Perfect, so it sounds very likely.
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Job: Actor
Instagram: @adamthomas21
Strictly loves a soap actor, or two, and Adam Thomas is believe to be on their list of soap stars for this year’s show. Thomas is known for starring in both Emmerdale and Waterloo Road.
Rylan Clark
Age: 34
Job: TV presenter
Instagram: @rylan
With the presenter having recently stepped down from It Takes Two, on which Fleur East will replace him, fans were quick to speculate that he could be freeing himself up to take part in the main show. Oh, how we’d love to see Rylan strutting his stuff in some sequins!
Priya Davdra
Age: 36
Job: Actress
Instagram: @xxpriyax
Actress Priya Davdra, who played Iqra Ahmed for three years on EastEnders, has also been tipped to join Strictly this year.
“Priya was singled out as a target for the casting team early in the process and they were keen. She is young, glamorous and would be a great fit for the show,” a source reportedly told The Mirror.
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Job: Actor
Instagram: @bobbybrazier
And Priya isn’t the only EE star said to be stepping into the ballroom this year, with Bobby Brazier, who plays Freddie Slater on the soap, rumoured to be a part of this year’s line-up.
Bobby is the son of late reality TV star Jade Goody and TV personality Jeff Brazier. He made his EastEnders debut in 2022 has the cheeky teen, and could well be making his Strictly debut later this year.
Watch this space!
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Autumn. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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