Strictly 2023 Lineup: Meet the contestants, from Amanda Abbington to Bobby Brazier

Be sure to come dance The year 2023 is upon us and a whole new roster of celebrities, from reality star Zara McDermott to veteran broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy, is set to go head-to-head.

This year, the BBC One show turns 21 and is once again hosted by sparkling duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The first line-up announcements were made in early August, with more names expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2023 line-up so far includes actors, presenters, comedians and more.

Get to know them all below…

Zara McDermott

McDermott was the seventh candidate to be announced Severeis the latest series. The 26-year-old reality star rose to fame on ITV love islandwill appear on the show in 2018.

Since then she has hosted five BBC documentaries including revenge porn, Exposing the rape culture And Eating disorder.

She’s also known for documenting her relationship with fellow reality star Sam Thompson (Made in Chelsea) on social media.

“I’m so excited to join the world of Strictly! I grew up with my grandma and watched it every year, and she was the biggest Strictly fan,” McDermott said.

“We danced around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life. I even remember the very first series and how mesmerized I was by all the beautiful dresses! I can’t wait to embark on this experience and start training. It will be incredible.”

Amanda Abbington

The 49-year-old actor has starred in some of Britain’s biggest drama TV series including Sherlock, Mr Selfridge, Wolfe, And desperate measures.

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Her role as Mary Morstan in sherlock won her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Crime Thriller Awards.

Abbington’s acting career has spanned three decades and she has also acted in various plays including most recently the West End film adaptation of Steven Moffats The unfriend.

She said, “I’m actually very shy and self-confident, so this is a great opportunity for me to get over those things!” I’m also able to learn to dance, which I’m incredibly excited about.

“I’m also really looking forward to training, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you. I can’t wait to get started!”

Angela Rippon

The award-winning journalist, TV presenter, news anchor and author, who turns 79 in October, is the oldest contestant ever to have attended Severe.

Her career has spanned more than 50 years, with the star hosting programs ranging from current affairs to quiz shows and magazine shows for global broadcasters. She hosted the original version of Severe, what was called Come to dance, more than 30 years ago.

In 2004 she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to broadcasting, charity and the arts and at the 2017 New Year’s Awards Angela was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to dementia care.

Rippon said: “It’s going to be quite an adventure for me. That’s scary considering I’ll be 79 soon. But I’m really looking forward to the challenge and maybe learning to dance Argentine tango!!”

Layton Williams

The 28-year-old film and theater actor is best known for his title roles in The Movie Billy Elliott And Everyone’s talking about Jamie.

His other stage shows include Thriller Live, Rentals, Hairspray And New adventures. He is best known on television for his role as Stephen Carmichael Bad Education Movie and recently relaunched series. He also played in i hate suzie and dubs Britain’s first gay dating show, i kissed a boy

Williams said: “I am absolutely delighted to confirm that I will be taking part in the most famous dance competition in the UK! It’s time to take it to the ballroom… Bring the sequins… ALL the sequins!”

Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Guru-Murthy, 53, is a staple of British broadcasting. He is the principal presenter of Channel 4 News and reports for the Foreign Affairs series. Unreported World and moderating live debates for Channel 4.

Since joining the C4 team in 1998 he has covered major events from the Omagh bombing to the 9/11 attacks to the Ukraine war and last year he won the Royal Television Society Journalism Award for Best Network Presenter.

Guru-Murthy said, “I am surprised, delighted and slightly confused to participate Severe based on You Only Live Once! and I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I’m a little concerned about my general weakness.

“I know I’m going to love it and have a great time and just hope I’m not the only one enjoying my participation.”

Eddie Kadie

The 40-year-old is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian and radio presenter who became the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.

He has hosted the prestigious Mobo Awards and has appeared on numerous television formats 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: Davido Live.

He is also in front The official Afrobeats chart show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and is team captain on ITV’s entertainment format I’m sorry I didn’t know.

Kadi said, “WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to me…I promise you I’ll give it my all. That will be a VIBE.”

Angela Scanlon

The 39-year-old TV presenter is best known for her work at the BBC and Irish broadcaster RTÉ. She hosts the interior design show Your home made perfect on BBC Two and is the only woman in the UK and Ireland to have her own Saturday night chat show with RTÉ One’s Ask me something.

She published her first book last year JoyriderPart empowering guide, part memoir, it’s all about the importance of bringing gratitude into everyday life.

Scanlon said, “Are they going to tan me? How itchy are sequins?! Are there also flesh-colored sports bras? Well… there’s only one way to find out, isn’t there!? Now I’m panicking a little, but I’m also secretly excited at the prospect of all the glitter. Let’s go!”

Adam Thomas

Known to many for his role as Adam Barton in EmmerdaleThe 34-year-old actor is the eighth celebrity to be announced as part of Severe 2023

He’s not the only familiar face in his family: older brother Ryan played Jason Grimshaw in it Coronation Street from 2000 to 2016, while his twin Scott finished third with Kady McDermott in season two love island (2016).

“I am very excited to be part of this year’s cast Be sure to come dancesaid Thomas. “I’ve been such a huge 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 can’t wait to learn and have fun with my pro. Get me on the dance floor…I can’t wait!”

Nikita Kanda

Nikita Kanda, 28, hosts the BBC Asian Network’s breakfast show and previously hosted the channel’s Saturday afternoon show.

In addition to her work in radio, Kanda has also been a regular reporter presenter for BBC One The one show.

She is the ninth person to join Severe The lineup for 2023 was revealed on Tuesday, August 8th on their own broadcast.

Kanda shared her excitement about joining Severe 2023 and explains: “I can’t believe I’ll be there Severe. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching. I don’t think it will really take hold until I hit the dance floor. I can’t wait to get dressed up and go outside. Throw the glitter at me!”

Ellie Leach

Ellie Leach will be familiar to fans of Coronation Streetas she played the character Faye Windass from 2011 to 2023.

The now 22-year-old actress has grown up in front of viewers for the past 12 years and has been nominated for multiple British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards for her performance, in which she deals with incisive storylines such as a pregnancy at 13 and early life dealing with menopause and reconnecting with the child she gave up at birth.

She was then announced as the tenth celebrity to attend the event this year Be sure to come dance Speaking on BBC Breakfast (Wednesday 9 August), Leach said: “It still doesn’t feel real what I’m going to do Severe! It’s always been a dream of mine, so I think dreams really do come true!”

Jody Cundy CBE

World Champion and Paralympic Champion Jody Cundy CBE is the 11th celebrity to be announced at Severe 2023

He has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics and won eight gold, one silver and three bronze medals in swimming and cycling events. In addition, he has 23 world championship titles to his credit at the world championships. He celebrated his last win in Glasgow just four days before his Severe Announcement on Wednesday, August 9th.

No stranger to competitive sports, Cundy has spoken of his enthusiasm and willingness to “throw headlong into the world of ballroom dancing.”

“[It’s] So far from what I’m used to, but I look forward to the challenge and to pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always the last one on the dance floor.”

He added, “I can’t wait to get started and bring some glitter and sequins!”

Bobby Brazier

Twenty-year-old Bobby Brazier will look familiar to you EastEnders fans as Freddie Slater, a role he began in September 2022.

Others may know him from the runway, as a model for Dolce & Gabbana, or from sitting front row next to Lewis Hamilton at London Fashion Week.

And there will be others who simply know him as the son of the late reality star Jade Goody and her former partner, presenter Jeff Brazier.

Speaking of his involvement in the long-running BBC dance competition, Brazier said: “I am delighted to be a part of it Severe I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add a few moves to my repertoire. I look forward to performing in front of everyone, it will be so much fun!”

Be sure to come dance returns to BBC One in September.