Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up: Full cast of contestants confirmed

We're kicking off with several Cha Chas, some Samba and also some Ballroom, courtesy of EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.

If you want the full breakdown of all the Strictly songs and dances, check out our guide.

Read on for all the confirmed and potential names on this year's confirmed Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up.

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up: Full cast of contestants

The following stars have been confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 cast:

• Amanda Abbington
• Angela Rippon
• Layton Williams
• Krishnan Guru-Murthy
• Eddie Kadi
• Angela Scanlon
• Zara McDermott
• Adam Thomas
• Nikita Kanda
• Ellie Leach
• Jody Cundy CBE
• Bobby Brazier
• Nigel Harman
• Annabel Croft
• Les Dennis

For more on the celebrities confirmed to be taking part, read below.

Les Dennis - CONFIRMED

Age: 69

Job: TV presenter, actor and comedian

Instagram: @lesdennis

Well-known TV presenter and all-round entertainer Les Dennis has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

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.

On stage, Dennis has also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the English National Opera, and appeared in the hit musicals Legally Blonde The Musical, Hairspray, and 42^nd Street on the West End.

Speaking about joining Strictly, Les 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."

Annabel Croft - CONFIRMED

Age:

Job: Tennis legend and TV presenter

Instagram: @annabel_croft

Tennis icon Annabel Croft has been confirmed to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

Annabel is a former British Number One tennis player who, at 15 years old, was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon in 95 years.

The star has gone on to have a presenting career, including playing an integral role in the coverage of Wimbledon each year and also fronting entertainment shows like Treasure Hunt.

Croft 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."

Nigel Harman - CONFIRMED

Age: 49

Job: Actor

Instagram: @themeditatingactor

Casualty star and EastEnders icon Nigel Harman has been confirmed to be joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

The actor, who currently stars as the clinical lead Max Cristie in Casualty, had long been rumoured to be appearing in the series.

Harman also has an illustrious stage career, having won an Olivier for his performance in Shrek the Musical.

He also bagged a National Television Award for best newcomer for his turn as heartthrob Dennis Rickman in EastEnders from 2003 to 2005.

Speaking about joining the show, Harman 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!"

Bobby Brazier - CONFIRMED

Age: 20

Job: Actor and model

Instagram: @bobbybrazier

EastEnders favourite Bobby Brazier is joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

The high fashion model, now best known for his role as loveable Freddie Slater in the BBC One soap opera, is also the son of the late Big Brother icon Jade Goody and television presenter Jeff Brazier.

Brazier is also prominent on social media as an advocate for mental well-being and spirituality.

"I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up," commented Brazier. "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!"

Jody Cundy CBE - CONFIRMED

Age: 44

Job: Paralympian cyclist and former swimmer

Instagram: @jody_cundy

Jody Cundy CBE is joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

The highly decorated World and Paralympic Champion Jody Cundy has represented Great Britain across seven summer Olympics, winning eight Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals across swimming and cycling events.

Jody Cundy CBE 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”

"Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins!"

Ellie Leach - CONFIRMED

Age: 22

Job: Actress

Instagram: @ellielouiseleach

Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach is joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

Famous for her role as Faye Windass on the ITV soap, Leach departed her long-running 12-year role earlier this year for new opportunities.

Speaking of joining Strictly, 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!!!!"

Nikita Kanda - CONFIRMED

Age: 27

Job: Radio host and TV presenter

Instagram: @nikitakanda

Presenter Nikita Kanda has joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

The current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show and recently nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards, Kanda is also a regular reporter on The One Show.

Kanda said of joining Strictly: “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!”

Adam Thomas - CONFIRMED

Age: 34

Job: Actor and television presenter

Instagram:@adamthomas21

Adam Thomas is an actor and television presenter best known for his acting roles as Donte Charles the continuing drama Waterloo Road and as Adam Barton in Emmerdale.

The actor has also worked as a presenter alongside his own brothers, former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas and former Love Island star Scott Thomas.

Will Adam be able to bring his acting abilities to the dancefloor?

Thomas said: "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!"

Zara McDermott - CONFIRMED

Age: 26

Job: BBC Three documentary filmmaker and reality TV star

Instagram: @zara_mcdermott

Zara McDermott rose to fame as a contestant on Love Island in 2018, memorably having a romance with Adam Collard.

Following this, Zara appeared on Made in Chelsea from 2019 to 2020 and had an on-off romance with Sam Thompson with whom she is now still in a relationship.

Zara moved into documentary filmmaking in 2021, fronting the documentary Zara McDermott: Revenge Porn and has gone on to make many more since.

She has also appeared as a contestant on The X Factor: Celebrity.

McDermott said: "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."

Angela Scanlon - CONFIRMED

Age: 39

Job: TV presenter

Instagram: @angelascanlon

Twitter: @angelascanlon

Irish TV star Angela Scanlon already has a relationship with the BBC, having worked on The One Show and Your Home Made Perfect.

She also hosts the Saturday night chat show Ask Me Anything on RTÉ.

“I'm panicking a bit... but also secretly thrilled about the prospect of all that glitter,” revealed Angela. "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?!"

Eddie Kadi - CONFIRMED

Age: 40

Job: Comedian, presenter and actor

Instagram: @comeddiekadi

Twitter: @EddieKadi

Eddie Kadi is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and radio presenter.

The first black British comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London, Eddie has hosted the MOBO Awards, as well as the official red carpet show for BET International and BET Africa in Los Angeles and the main stage of the Afro Nation Festivals across the world.

He has also appeared on numerous TV shows including Blankety Blank, The National Comedy Awards, Tonight with Target, +44 Presents: The Noughties Podcast, Don’t Hate the Playaz, and Road to Afro Nation: David Live.

Eddie fronts The Official Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and is a Team Captain on ITV’s entertainment format Sorry I Didn’t Know; and this year, he has been nominated for both the Royal Television Society Best Breakthrough Award and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards.

In a statement, 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!”

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."

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!"

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!"

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!"

Who else had been rumoured for the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up?

Brenda Edwards

Age: 54

Job: Presenter, singer and actress

Instagram: @brendaedwardsglobal

Loose Women presenter Brenda Edwards had reportedly been 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 fourth 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."

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.

Sadly, it seems Jill was not in the running for the Glitterball Trophy.

Ade Adepitan

Age: 50

Job: TV presenter and wheelchair basketball player

Instagram: @adeadepitan

The BBC was 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.

Emma and Matt Willis

Instagram: @emmawillisofficial and @mattjwillis

For season 21, Strictly had been rumoured to be lining up their first celebrity couple to compete against each other since Gabby and Kenny Logan in season 4, and they had reportedly had their eyes on The Voice presenter Emma Willis, 47, and her husband, musician Matt Willis, 40.

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, was 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.

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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