Strictly Come Dancing 2023 start date and celeb line-up for new series on BBC

Strictly Come Dancing 2023: A Preview of the Upcoming Season

The anticipation is building as the new series of Strictly Come Dancing gears up to hit our screens once again, and there’s no shortage of excitement and intrigue surrounding this year’s lineup. Returning to BBC One, the show promises to deliver a fresh dose of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable dance performances. With a brand new roster of fifteen celebrities stepping onto the ballroom floor this autumn, the stage is set for another dazzling season of dance, drama, and competition.

The Celebrities Taking the Spotlight

The celebrity lineup for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is nothing short of diverse and captivating. This year’s roster includes familiar faces from various realms of entertainment and sports, making the mix all the more exciting. Among the notable names are radio presenter and TV host Nikita Kanda, presenter Eddie Kadi, actor Bobby Brazier, the talented Amanda Abbington known for her roles in Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, and actor Nigel Harman.

Adding to the star-studded ensemble is tennis star and broadcaster Annabel Croft, athlete Jody Cundy, Love Island alum Zara McDermott, The One Show reporter Angela Scanlon, and journalist-broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy. The lineup is completed by showbiz legend Les Dennis, soap star Adam Thomas, musical theatre sensation Layton Williams, actress Ellie Leach, and esteemed newsreader Angela Rippon.

Age is Just a Number: Angela Rippon’s Remarkable Journey

A particularly exciting addition to this season’s cast is the legendary Angela Rippon, who at the age of 78 is set to become the oldest contestant ever to grace the Strictly stage. Angela’s enthusiasm for the show is infectious, as she shares her excitement about the adventure that lies ahead. Having been a longtime fan of Strictly Come Dancing and a former presenter of the show’s predecessor, Come Dancing, Angela is thrilled to embark on this new journey. She humorously acknowledges the challenge, admitting that it might be a bit scary but expresses her eagerness to learn the Argentinian Tango and give it her all on the dance floor.

Angela’s connection to the history of televised dance competitions is significant, as she once hosted BBC’s Come Dancing, a program that greatly influenced the creation of Strictly. Those familiar with the iconic ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ moment from Morecambe and Wise know that Angela is no stranger to showcasing her dance moves.

Amanda Abbington: From Sherlock to Strictly

Amanda Abbington, known for her roles in popular shows like Sherlock, Mr Selfridge, and more recently in Steven Moffat’s The Unfriend, is set to bring her talent and charisma to the Strictly stage. Despite her initial shyness and self-consciousness, Amanda views this opportunity as a way to overcome her inhibitions. She’s looking forward to not only learning to dance but also embracing the training process, driven by her competitive spirit. Amanda’s excitement is palpable as she prepares to immerse herself in the world of dance, making her mark as both a performer and a learner.

Layton Williams: A Star of the West End Takes the Dance Floor

Layton Williams, renowned for his roles in hit musicals like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, is another exciting addition to the lineup. His professional background in the West End and experience with challenging choreography have led to some eyebrows being raised, as his dance skills are expected to stand out. Layton’s acknowledgment of his privilege in this realm doesn’t dampen his enthusiasm; he’s eager to embrace the experience, learn new dance skills, and add a touch of his signature flair to the ballroom. With a hint of cheeky excitement, he can’t wait to adorn himself in sequins and bring his unique energy to the dance floor.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy: From News to Dance

Krishnan Guru-Murthy, a seasoned broadcaster and newsreader, is stepping out of his comfort zone and onto the Strictly dance floor. His long-standing career in broadcasting has been marked by versatility, from youth programs to news reporting. Krishnan’s decision to participate in Strictly is a mix of surprise, delight, and a hint of trepidation about his physical capabilities. Despite his concerns about “general decrepitude,” Krishnan is looking forward to the experience and is hopeful that his participation will be enjoyable for both him and the viewers.

Eddie Kadi: A Comedian Ready to Dance

Comedian and radio presenter Eddie Kadi is gearing up to bring his infectious energy to the dance floor. Eddie’s enthusiasm for music and dance is no secret, and he’s excited to fully embrace the opportunity that Strictly presents. Having been nominated for prestigious awards and even working on his own documentary, Eddie is no stranger to the spotlight. He promises to give his all to the dance competition, embodying the spirit of the show and bringing his unique vibe to the performances.

Angela Scanlon: From Chat Shows to Cha-Cha-Cha

Angela Scanlon, a presenter known for hosting Your Home Made Perfect and the Robot Wars reboot, is stepping into the world of Strictly. Her nervousness is mixed with excitement, and she’s not afraid to ask the burning questions about the show’s glamour, sequins, and sports bras. Angela’s journey is particularly interesting as she becomes one of the few women to have their own Saturday night chat show, a testament to her engaging presence. With a blend of trepidation and eagerness, she’s ready to embrace the glitter and make her mark on the dance floor.

Zara McDermott: Love Island to Strictly’s Spotlight

Zara McDermott, a familiar face from Love Island and other TV appearances, is transitioning from reality TV to primetime dance competition. Her journey from Love Island to Strictly showcases her versatility as she takes on new challenges. Her deep-rooted connection to Strictly, watching it with her nan as a child, adds a sentimental layer to her participation. As she embarks on this new adventure, Zara is excited to learn new dance skills and contribute her passion to the performances.

Adam Thomas: From Soaps to the Dance Floor

Actor and TV presenter Adam Thomas, known for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, is set to prove his mettle on the dance floor. His excitement about joining the cast is evident, as he gushes about being a long-time fan of the show. Adam’s enthusiasm to learn and his acknowledgment of his limited dance skills add a relatable dimension to his journey. As someone who can’t dance “to save his life,” Adam is ready to give it his all and bring his charisma to the Strictly experience.

Nikita Kanda: Broadcasting to Ballroom Dancing

Nikita Kanda, the host of BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show, is making her foray into the world of ballroom dancing with Strictly Come Dancing. Nikita’s dream of being on the show is finally becoming a reality, and her excitement is contagious. As she prepares to step onto the dance floor, Nikita’s journey promises to be a blend of glitz, glamour, and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

Ellie Leach: Overcoming Heartbreak Through Dance

Ellie Leach, a young star of Coronation Street, is set to bounce back from heartbreak by embracing the challenge of Strictly. Her decision to participate in the show after a tough period in her personal life highlights the transformative power of dance. Ellie’s dream of being on Strictly is a testament to the show’s ability to bring joy and healing through the art of movement. Her determination to make her dreams come true adds a layer of inspiration to her journey.

Jody Cundy: A Paralympian’s Dance Journey

Paralympian Jody Cundy, a decorated champion in swimming and cycling, is venturing into uncharted territory by joining Strictly Come Dancing. His impressive athletic background sets the stage for a unique dance journey, as he steps out of his comfort zone and embraces the challenge of ballroom dancing. Jody’s determination to learn and push his boundaries highlights the spirit of exploration that characterizes Strictly.

Bobby Brazier: A Star’s Dance Debut

Bobby Brazier, son of TV presenter Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody, is stepping into the spotlight with his participation in Strictly. His love for dance is well-known, and he’s excited to bring his moves to the dance floor. Despite acknowledging the legacy of his fellow EastEnders cast members on Strictly, Bobby is determined to make his mark and have a blast while doing it. His journey showcases the intersection of passion and performance.

Nigel Harman: From Soap Opera to Dance Floor

Nigel Harman, recognized for his role as Dennis Rickman in EastEnders, is following in the footsteps of his soap opera colleagues by joining Strictly. His experience with acting and performance sets the stage for a captivating dance journey. Nigel’s charm and likability make him a contender to win the hearts of viewers, adding to the intrigue of this season’s lineup.

Annabel Croft: A Tennis Pundit’s Transition

BBC tennis pundit Annabel Croft is making a transition from the tennis court to the ballroom floor with Strictly. Having garnered attention for her impressive Wimbledon coverage, Annabel’s move to the dance competition adds a layer of excitement. Her transition from sports to dance showcases the versatility of talent and the allure of challenging oneself in new domains.

A Dazzling Array of Professionals

As the celebrities prepare to step onto the dance floor, they’ll be guided by a lineup of skilled professionals. The dance pros bring their expertise, creativity, and dedication to choreograph captivating routines that will entertain and inspire. Among the professionals are Giovanni Pernice, Neil Jones, Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Dianne Buswell, Graziano Di Prima, Jowita Przystal, Lauren Oakley, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, Nadiya Bychkova, Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.

The Journey Ahead

The journey of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is poised to be a memorable one. As the celebrities team up with their professional partners, we can expect a mix of entertainment, emotion, and exceptional dance performances. The live shows, set to begin on September 23rd, will bring together the judges’ scores and the viewers’ votes to determine the fate of the couples. The dance-off on Sunday nights will add an extra layer of tension as the lowest ranked pairs vie to continue their journey.

Mark Your Calendars

The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated launch of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, September 23rd, on BBC One. The pre-recorded launch show, where celebrities pair up with their professional partners, will air a week prior. With Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly at the helm, the live shows promise to captivate audiences with their dazzling performances and the thrill of competition. As the celebrities step onto the dance floor, viewers can look forward to a season filled with drama, passion, and the magic of dance.