Strictly Come Dancing Contestants 2023 - Everything you need to know about the celebrities participating

Strictly Come Dancing is a highlight of the TV calendar for many people – and it’s time to start getting excited about the 2023 series, as the Strictly Come Dancing contestants 2023 have begun to be announced!

Although a fixed start date from the BBC has yet to be confirmed, the end of the summer signals the beginning of Strictly Come Dancing and we cannot wait! The first celebrities in the line-up have been announced, with many more cast members still to be confirmed and revealed. 

So who is among the Strictly Come Dancing contestants 2023? And what do we need to know about each of these contestants?

Strictly Come Dancing line-up 2023 

Amanda Abbington

Amanda Abbington was the very first celebrity confirmed to be taking part this year. You may recognise this actress from the likes of  Lockwood & Co, Cuffs, Safe, and BBC’s Sherlock, where she played Mary Morstan.

Amanda, who was previously in a relationship with actor Martin Freeman, was announced as the first contestant on The One Show. 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

Presenter and former newsreader Angela Rippon was the second celebrity confirmed for the upcoming 2023 series. At 78, Angela has the privilege of being the oldest contestant to take part in the competition across its past 20 seasons.

After the news broke, Angela said in a statement, "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."

Leyton Williams

The third celebrity announced was West End actor Leyton Williams, known for roles in shows such as Bad Education and the stage musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

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!”

The actor has also said that he would be happy to be partnered up with a male dancer so that he can be lifted up during performances.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy

The fourth celebrity confirmed to be taking part is journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy. After joining the news team in 1998, Krishnan is the second longest-serving Channel 4 lead anchor (second only to Jon Snow).

While he’s best known for putting celebrities through their paces with his tough questioning, he’s ready to challenge himself on the dancefloor.

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."

Eddie Kadi

Eddie Kadi is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and radio presenter. Recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand up personalities, he was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.

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."

Angela Scanlon

Angela Scanlon is an Irish Television presenter for the BBC and RTÉ. The presenter also hosts the interior design show Your Home Made Perfect on BBC Two and the Saturday night chat show, Ask Me Anything on RTÉ One.

The news that Angela would be joining was revealed on Monday, August 7, and the presenter revealed that she was scared but excited about taking part. 

"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?" Angela joked. "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

Zara McDermott was the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. Zara gained popularity by appearing on reality TV shows such as Love Island and Made In Chelsea. She is now best known for her broadcasting work on BBC films such as, Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge. 

Zara McDermott said that she is excited to be joining the cast this year, "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."

The news was revealed on Monday, August 7, on Going Home with Vick and Jordan on BBC Radio 1.

Adam Thomas

Actor and presenter Adam Thomas is the eighth celebrity contestant confirmed to appear on the show. Adam is best known for playing Adam Barton in the ITV soap Emmerdale. More recently he is known for reprising his role as Donte Charles in BBC One’s Waterloo Road and appearing in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2016.

"I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years' 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!" said Adam. 

The news was revealed on Tuesday August 8, on The Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East, James & Matt.

Nikita Kanda

Radio host and presenter Nikita Kanda was the ninth celebrity contestant confirmed for the show. Nikita is best known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show and has previously presented the Saturday afternoon show.

Nikita commented on this announcement saying, "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!"

The news was revealed on Tuesday, August 8, on BBC Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda.

Ellie Leach

Ellie Leach was the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed on the show. Ellie is best known for portraying Faye Windass for 12 years on Coronation Street, and has been nominated for multiple British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards for her role, hard hitting storylines included being pregnant at 13. 

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!!!!"

The news was revealed this morning on Wednesday August 9 on BBC Breakfast.

Jody Cundy CBE

Jody Cundy CBE was the eleventh celebrity contestant confirmed for the show. 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.

After competing at Tokyo 2021, Jody became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games and after competing at Tokyo 2021, Jody became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games.

"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!" said Jody about this upcoming challenge.

Bobby Brazier

Bobby Brazier was the twelfth celebrity contestant confirmed. Bobby is a 20-year-old British Model, and Actor, best known for his role as Freddie Slater in UK Soap Opera, EastEnders and for modelling for Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week. Bobby is the son of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody who sadly passed in 2009.

Bobby Brazier spoke about his excitement when it comes to joining the show, "I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly lineup, 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!"

The news was revealed on Wednesday, August 9, on BBC Breakfast.

Nigel Harman

Nigel Harman was the thirteenth celebrity contestant to be confirmed. Nigel is an actor who is best known for his work on BBC’s Casualty as Max Cristie and on EastEnders playing Dennis Rickman.

In anticipation of his upcoming role, Nigel 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!"

The news was revealed on Thursday, August 10, on ITV’s Lorraine.

Annabel Croft

Annabel Croft was the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed to appear on the show. 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.

Annabel continues to play an integral role in the coverage of Wimbledon each year and her TV and radio career includes presenting, commentating, and working as a highly respected pundit.

Speaking about her excitement about the show, Annabel 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."

The news was revealed on Thursday, August 10, on Virgin Radio’s Breakfast show.

Les Dennis

Les Dennis was the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant confirmed to appear on the show. Les Dennis is a TV Personality, actor and entertainer and best known for his work in Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders and two years in Coronation Street.  

Les 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."

The news was revealed on Friday, August 11, on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.