angela rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: “Having been a Strictly fan since day one, and as a former host of Come Dancing, this is going to be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and maybe being able to learn to dance the Argentine tango.’
amanda abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: “I’m delighted that they asked me to do Strictly. In fact, I am very shy and self-conscious, so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.
layton williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
layton says: ‘Absolutely excited to confirm that I will be participating in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to take it to the ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Get the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murphy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
krishnan says: “I am surprised, delighted and a little confused to find myself participating in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I’m a little worried about my general decrepitude.
eddie kady
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio host
Eddy says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and fundamental to who I am. I am incredibly proud and honored to have been asked by Strictly and the BBC to join Team 2023. I promise you, I am going to give it everything I have. This is going to be a VIBE.
angela scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV host
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dance. I have never done any dance other than drunk dancing at a wedding!
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary filmmaker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I’m so excited to join the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my grandmother and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We danced all over the house and I have very fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: actor and presenter
Adam says: I can’t dance to save my life, but I am eager to learn and have fun with my professional. Take me to that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: radio and tv announcer
Nikita says: ‘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 sink in properly until it hits the dance floor. I can’t wait to show off and go out. Throw me the glitter!
ellie leach
Age: 22
Profession: coronation street star
Ellie says: ‘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!
jody cundy
Age: 44
Profession: paralympic champion
jody says: “I look forward to the challenge and push myself to get out of my comfort zone, especially since I am always the last one on the dance floor. I can’t wait to get caught up, bring on the glitter and sequins.
bobby brazier
Age: twenty
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: “I’m so excited to be a part of the Strictly lineup, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my locker. I really want to perform in front of everyone.’
nigel haman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: “I am in awe, excited and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show, I have watched in awe as people twisted and turned on the screen. And now it’s my turn… gulp!’
annabel croft
Age: 57
Profession: Announcer and former tennis player
Annabel says: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’m going to be a part of this magical show – trading tennis balls for shiny balls and hoping to find some joy in the process.”
the dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
He tells them: “I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic and wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career, I’ve always looked for challenges outside of my comfort zone, and this is the best! I can’t wait.
