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 is the newest addition to the series.
Here Central Recorder 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
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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
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Angela Rippon, a television legend and Strictly Come Dancing contestant for many years, has been officially confirmed as the oldest participant in this new series.
He has been a dancer for many years. In 1988, he hosted the BBC’s previous version of the show. Then he returned in 1998 to host the final episode.
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.
This is not her first appearance on this latest season of the show. Last year she appeared in a cameo as part the BBC’s centennial 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
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Layton Williams from the musical Layton Williams is also going to be on the dancefloor.
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
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Amanda Abbington is also set to dance on 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.
She won the Best supporting actress award at the prestigious awards for Sherlock, playing Mary Morstan. 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
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Nigel Harman, an actor himself, has signed on to dance in the BBC show this fall.
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 murdered in 2006 after he was fatally stabbed New Year’s Day. He died in Sharon’s embrace.
He went on to star in Downton Abbey as evil valet Mr Green. In a violent rape, his character is at the center of an incident involving Joanne Froggatt’s lady’smaid Anna.
Nigel is currently seen in the BBC drama Casualty as Max Christie, a doctor.
Zara McDermott
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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.
Five years after gaining fame, Zara has created her own documentaries for the BBC and appeared on The X Factor: Celebrity.
The media personality will now take up something entirely different.
Bobby Brazier
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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
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Adam Thomas will also be joining the soap opera.
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, age 34, belongs to a famous trio of siblings. His twin brother is Love Island star Scott and brother Ryan, 39, was in Coronation Street.
Angela Scanlon
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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 revealed Radio Gaby Roslin, 2: “I am terrified and excited. I also have many questions. Can they make my skin tanner?
What is the itching sensation of sequins? Are there sports bras in flesh-coloured? “Well, there is only one thing to do – right?”
The Irish actress is also known as a BBC2 host of Your House Made Perfect.
Ellie Leach
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Ellie Leach will bounce back after heartbreak with the new 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 Celebrities The BBC1 Dance Show is a hit with contestants who fall in love the the hot pros.
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 The red carpet At events as her”
Annabel Croft
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The 57-year-old former UK No 1 tennis player Annabel will be dishing out some moves at this year’s Wimbledon.
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, a former British No. 1 tennis player, competed in Wimbledon as the youngest British athlete for over 95 years at just 15 years of age.
She also represented Great Britain in prestigious Wightman and Federation Cup competitions.
Annabel’s career as a broadcaster has spanned many years, covering major tennis tournaments around the world. She also fronted shows like Treasure Hunt and Inceptor.
Former BBC Sports star – and ex-Strictly man – Dan Walker was among those backing her insisting: “She’ll be great.”
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
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There’s no Strictly without the usual dull newsreader in a sparkly costume making all sorts of mistakes.
What could you do? Channel 4 News How did 53-year-old Krishnan surprise the audience with his dancing moves?
He has plenty of enthusiasm, but he admits to being worried about “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
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Eddie Kadi, a radio host and stand-up comic will swap his mic for dancing shoes.
Eddie has been hailed as one of the world’s most celebrated comedians.
The world continues to be dominated by him FunnyConcerts are performed to large crowds in countries and cultures all around the world.
Eddie said: “WOW. Whoever knows me understands how important music and dancing are to my identity.
“I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and
I have been asked to join BBC’s 2023 Team.
“I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. “This is going to have a VIBE.”
Jody S. Cundy
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Paralympic dancer Jody Cundy takes to the floor.
It’s not the dance that scares her, but that she’s spent all of her life wearing Lycra.
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
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Les is the Family Fortunes star who’s been long rumoured to be tipped as someone for a dance floor.
It is believed that Strictly producers have had the former Coronation Street actress on their radar for many years.
Have they found their man at last?