Strictly Come Dancing 2023 will be heading back to our screens later this year, and as always the show will be bringing plenty of glamour and excitement to our weekend evenings.
The BBC hit, which has become an annual highlight in our TV calendar, will be airing its 21st season as it returns with a new batch of celebrities all ready to show off their fancy footwork in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.
And now the professional dancer lineup has been announced, as well as the judging panel and hosts for the new series.
Plus the first celeb contestant has now been revealed as Sherlock star Amanda Abbington.
Amanda 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!"
And the second celeb contestant, Angela Rippon, has also been revealed! She 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!!”
Layton Williams, a film and theatre actor, is the third celeb to be announced!
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 saw wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin and his dance partner Jowita Przystał lift the glitterball trophy, but who will we be adding to our Strictly Come Dancing winners list this year?
Here's everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2023...
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 air date
Traditionally Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens in the autumn, with the launch show usually airing in mid-September, and the first live show airing in the following week. It is thought this year's series will follow the same pattern, but we will update this page as soon as any news is announced.
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line up — confirmed celebs
Amanda Abbington
Amanda Abbington is the first celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. She is best known for playing Mary Morstan in Sherlock. Her other credits include Mr Selfridge, Wolfe, and Desperate Measures, she also had a lead role in the series The Net and feature film The Lost King.
Angela Rippon
Angela Rippon was bound to end up on Strictly one day as a former presenter of Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991.
She currently presents BBC's Rip-Off Britain and is a regular on Morning Live and The One Show.
Layton Williams
Layton is best known as a stage and screen actor and has performed in London’s West End, giving performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.
He said: "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!"
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 rumoured line-up
Here are some of the names that have been mentioned in connection with the show so far...
Stuart Broad
England cricket legend Stuart Broad could be lined up for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 after making a surprise announcement that he's retiring from the sport.
His retirement just so happens to coincide with the upcoming Strictly line-up announcements, which are usually released in August. So could he be swapping the cricket pitch for the ballroom?
If he were to appear on this year's series, the England bowler would be following in the footsteps of his fiancée Mollie King, who took part in Strictly 2017 and finished in fifth place.
A TV insider reportedly told The Sun: “Stuart is very much the hero of the hour and a perfect choice to fill the coveted ‘sport star’ slot. It is a last-minute approach, but the BBC think he’s worth trying to get on board because he would be hugely popular with viewers.
"They’d be guaranteed to feature quite a few cricket-themed dances, and would almost certainly incorporate his famous bandana somehow too. And having Mollie supporting him in the audience week after week would be a huge bonus.”
Brenda Edwards
Loose Women star Brenda Edwards is rumoured to be joining the celebrity line-up this year.
The singer, who has performed in hit West End shows and is also a presenter on Songs of Praise, is said to be "a dream signing" for Strictly.
A source told The Mirror: “Brenda is a dream 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.”
Les Dennis
TV entertainer Les Dennis has reportedly signed up for Strictly Come Dancing 2023, according to new reports.
This isn't the first time Les has been approached to join the much-loved competition series, as he was asked back when he was playing Michael Rodwell in Coronation Street between 2014 and 2016, but had to turn it down due to his busy schedule.
However, it's looking like he could be joining the star-studded line-up this year, with reports suggesting producers have got in touch again to see if he'll take part.
According to the Daily Mail, an insider said: "The viewers are going to love Les. He is a TV icon and now he will be dancing on one of the most popular shows around. He might be about to turn 70 but he is a showman and he will be great entertainment for those watching at home. There is genuine excitement about Les taking part."
Ellie Leach
Ellie, who played Faye Windass in Coronation Street, recently left the soap after 12 years to pursue other roles — and it has been hinted that she could be adding Strictly to her CV.
A TV insider allegedly told The Sun: “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. 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."
Angela Rippon — CORRECT RUMOUR!
Angela Rippon has been rumored to be joining the Strictly line-up, which would make her the oldest-ever star to take part.
Angela is no stranger to Strictly despite never competing, as she hosted the previous incarnation of the show called Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, then returning in 1998 before it ended.
She made a cameo appearance on Strictly Come Dancing last year as part of the BBC’s 100th-anniversary celebrations and she also took part in ITV's Dancing on Ice.
A source told The Sun that last year's cameo made BBC bosses approach Angela to join the 2023 line up: “It is such a coup to get Angela. The Strictly team loved having her make a cameo on the show last year and that got the ball rolling.
“She was a real hit with viewers and then the bookers reached out to begin discussions about her taking part. It’s not an easy decision for Angela because she knows it would be very grueling and physically tough, but she is extremely tempted."
Nigel Harman
EastEnders and Casualty legend Nigel Harman is rumored to be joining the Strictly 2023 celebrity line-up. Nigel played Dennis Rickman in the BBC soap from 2003 to 2005 and is currently on our screens every weekend as Casualty’s new clinical lead, Dr Max Cristie.
An insider reportedly told The Mail on Sunday: "Nigel is the perfect middle-aged hunk. He is handsome but also charming. He's the kind of guy that those watching at home will fall in love with and you always need one of those. He is among the first to confirm and he turns 50 this summer so it is a challenge of his own, too. The line-up is going to be a great mix."
Bobby Brazier
According to Mirror.co.uk Strictly bosses are keen to sign Bobby Brazier, who plays Freddie Slater in EastEnders.
The son of late reality star Jade Goody joined EastEnders in September 2022 and has become a huge fan-favourite since his first appearance as the cheeky Slater teen.
After making his soap debut last year, could he now be making his dancing debut on Strictly?
Priya Davdra
Bobby isn't the only EastEnders star rumoured to be taking part in Strictly 2023. Priya Davdra, who played Iqra Ahmed for three years on the soap has also been tipped to join the show.
A source reportedly told Mirror.co.uk: “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.”
Priya made Walford history after becoming the soap's first female gay Muslim. After her sister Habiba left the Square, Iqra eventually left Albert Square in January 2022 to start a new job as head chef at a restaurant.
Jill Scott
Lioness Jill Scott is no stranger to appearing on reality TV shows having taken part in I'm a Celebrity 2022 when she joined the list of I'm a Celebrity winners after being crowned queen of the jungle. Could Strictly be next on her reality TV show list?
Nick Knowles
Nick Knowles might be more used to a hard hat than a top hat, but that doesn't mean we won't be seeing him doing his best Fred Astaire impression on Strictly at some point. Nick will even be getting to know Strictly stars Anton Du Beke, Katya Jones and Graziano Di Prima as they swapped their dancing shoes for tool belts and joined the DIY SOS Big Build team in Newcastle for a project that will see an inclusive dance school get a much-needed makeover.
Gino D’Acampo
Celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo has also taken part in I'm a Celebrity but he is most famous for being the cheeky chef that brightens up our TV screens in various cooking shows. Gino has been asked to do Strictly before, but could he say yes this year?
Matt and Emma Willis
There have also been rumours circulating that Strictly bosses are keen to sign married couple Matt and Emma Willis to the show at the same time. It has been suggested that the pair have been in talks with the show before, but their schedules have never worked out... could this be the year that they make it onto the dance floor? Their close friend Tom Fletcher loved every moment of being on Strictly Come Dancing 2021, could he persuade them to take part?
Jack Dee
Jack Dee has also revealed that Strictly Come Dancing has approached him regarding the upcoming season of the dancing competition. Speaking to Seann Walsh on their Oh My Dog podcast, Jack said he'd had a call, but went on to say he wasn't that keen on appearing on the show. Could he be bluffing through and has actually signed on the dotted line?!
Other stars who have been linked to the show include former Emmerdale and Downtown Abbey star Amy Nuttall, former Liverpool and England footballer Peter Crouch, former Strictly: It Takes Two presenter Rylan Clark and TV presenter Steph McGovern.
There has also been talk of Loose Women panellist Sophie Morgan potentially joining the show as the first-ever wheelchair user. Sophie was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident when she was 18 and already has a huge following of fans from Loose Women, making her the perfect choice for the new season.
Who are the professional dancers for Strictly Come Dancing 2023?
All the female dancers will be returning, with Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas set to take to the dance floor.
Male dancers Graziano Di Prima, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, and Vita Coppola are all joining the 2023 line-up too.
One male professional missing this year will be Cameron Lombard. According to Daily Mail Cameron has "quit the show two years after joining the line-up and performing in the ensemble".
Speaking of the news, a Strictly spokesperson reportedly told the publication: "Cameron is a fantastic performer and we have loved working with him for the past two years on Strictly. He is currently pursuing other opportunities but will always be part of the family and our door will always be open to him in the future."
Who are the judges for Strictly Come Dancing 2023?
Of course, the multi-award-winning competition is not complete without its fabulous judges.
The judging panel this year will see Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Head Judge Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all return.
News that all of last year's judges will be returning will come as a relief to fans after there was speculation Shirley might be leaving after she admitted the show has taken its toll on her mental health after being targeted by trolls on social media.
During an appearance on This Morning Shirley said: "I love the job, I love the actual critiquing. I love to get tips and help people along the way, to move forward to be beautiful dancers and all that they can be.
"This year, I've got a wonderful gentleman called Harry Surplus who is doing my social media and he's getting rid of any of those messages. My son checks over everything because it really did take a little toll on my mental health for a minute. What I'm realising is everybody gets it, I'm not the only one."
Who will be presenting Strictly Come Dancing 2023?
Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also returning to the show for another series. The pair have been co-presenting the series since 2010 and we couldn't imagine anyone else at the helm of the nation's favorite dancing competition!
The BBC revealed: "Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back in the ballroom overseeing proceedings each weekend as a host of brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy."
Is Dave Arch returning to Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes, fans will be pleased to know that Dave Arch and his wonderful band will once again provide the soundtrack to Saturday and Sunday nights all across the UK.
Is there a trailer for Strictly Come Dancing 2023?
Not yet, it is a little too early for a Strictly Come Dancing 2023 trailer, but as soon as one is released by the BBC we will add it to this guide.
Who presents Strictly spin off show, Strictly: It Takes Two?
It is thought that former Strictly professional dancer Janette Manrara will return for a third year of hosting Strictly - It Takes Two, but sadly Rylan has announced he won't be returning to the show this year after joining the It Takes Two team in 2019.
Taking to social media, Rylan released a statement that read: "After 4 fantastic years, it's time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two. I've had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette and Zoe and I can't thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show."
It has since been revealed that Strictly 2022 star Fleur East will be Janette's new co-host. Speaking on her new role Fleur said, "I’m so excited to officially join the Strictly family! I had such an amazing time on the show last year and so cannot wait to be talking to the celebs each week on It Takes Two.
"Being a Strictly fan, I’m excited to get all the behind-the-scenes exclusives on the show. I know exactly what the next lot of celebs will be going through. It’s an incredibly fun experience, but it’s tough!"
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2022?
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal won Strictly Come Dancing 2022, beating runners-up Helen Skelton and her dance partner Gorka Marquez, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu and Fleur East with Vito Coppola to the glitterball trophy. After winning, Hamza said "Strictly Come Dancing is the best thing that has ever happened to me!".
