Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up: Les Dennis revealed as final contestant
We know summer is in its final weeks when the Strictly Come Dancing contestants are announced. And, as ever, they were preceded by weeks of rumours featuring everyone from Jill Scott to Phillip Schofield.
The glittering show is set to return in September, along with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Mostsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke retaking their panel chairs.
Last year, cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin gave pro dancer Jowita Przystał her first ever win after joining the show the year before. But who will lift the Glitterball trophy in 2023?
Here are the confirmed celebrity dancers.
The announcements began on The One Show on Friday 4 August and the first was 49-year-old actress Amanda Abbington, who’s best known for her roles in Sherlock, Mr Selfridge and in the recent West End show The Unfriend by Steven Moffat.
“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!” She said. “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!”
Next to be revealed on The One Show was former newsreader Angela Rippon, who at 78 will become the oldest ever contestant. Her long career has seen her host news programmes, quiz shows and magazine programmes. “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,” Rippon said. “But I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentinian Tango!”
She currently presents BBC’s Rip-Off Britain and is a regular on Morning Live and The One Show. But most people’s favourite memory of her will be the day she broke the mould by kicking away the news anchor’s table and dancing with Morecambe and Wise on their Christmas special.
Betting odds to win: 33/1
The stage and screen actor became The One Show’s third announcement – and he’s likely to go far in the competition. Hailing from Bury, 28-year-old Williams is best known for his title-role performances in the West End productions of Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie. He also has appearances in Thriller Live, Rent, Hairspray and New Adventures under his belt, as well as TV roles in the Bad Education film and rebooted TV series, Benidorm and Greg Davies’s sitcom The Cleaner. He also runs his own performing arts company.
Williams 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!”
Betting odds to win: 3/1
Revealed on Claudia Winkleman’s Radio 2 show on Saturday 5 August, 53-year-old Krishnan Guru-Murthy became the fourth contestant to be announced. Having joined Channel 4 News in 1998, he’s the broadcaster’s longest-serving current presenter. He’s also a regular on Unreported World, which has seem him deliver stories from countries including Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Iraq, and Yemen and has commentated on the Paralympics ceremonies.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Betting odds to win: 50/1
The fifth contestant is 40-year-old British-Congolese actor and stand-up comedian Eddie Kadi. He was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London, he has hosted the Mobo Awards, and he has appeared on a wide range of TV shows. Kadi, who was recently nominated for this year’s Royal Television Society Best Breakthrough Award and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards, revealed the news on his own Radio 1Xtra show.
“Anyone who knows me,” Kadi said, “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.”
Betting odds to win: 18/1
As revealed on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast show on Monday 7 August, the sixth contestant is Irish television presenter (and author) Angela Scanlon. Scanlon regularly presents programmes for the BBC and RTÉ, including the hit interior design show Your Home Made Perfect on BBC Two. Born in Ratoath, County Meath, she became the first woman in the UK and Ireland to host their own Saturday night chat show with Ask Me Anything on RTÉ One.
“I’m terrified, I’m excited and I have so many questions,” Scanlon said. “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!? Now I’m panicking a bit… but also secretly thrilled about the prospect of all that glitter. Let’s go!”
Betting odds to win: 18/1
Best known for appearing on reality shows Love Island and Made in Chelsea, McDermott has also hosted a number of documentaries for the BBC, including Revenge Porn and Uncovering Rape Culture. Prior to gaining fame on Love Island, she worked as a government policy advisor, and has since met with the Queen and Princess of Wales through her work relating to young people.
“I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly,” said McDermott. “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.”
Betting odds to win: 11/1
The eighth contestant is actor and TV presenter Adam Thomas, known for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, as well as his stint in the I’m A Celebrity... jungle back in 2016. He also presented ITV travelogue Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai with his famous brothers, Ryan and Scott.
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!”
Betting odds to win: 5/1
Nikita Kandais the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s breakfast show, where she’s interviewed a raft of starry celebrities from Killing Eve’s Sandra Oh to Bridgerton actress Kate Sharma and pop star Nick Jonas. The Birmingham native has also fronted regular reports on The One Show.
“I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly,” Kanda said. “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!”
Betting odds to win: 8/1
Ellie Leach was revealed as the tenth contestant on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday 9 August. The actress has starred in Coronation Street for 12 years as Faye Windass, with her role earning her multiple British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards over the years and widespread praise for hard-hitting, socially conscious storylines.
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.”
Betting odds to win: 14/1
The celebrated athlete has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics and multiple World Championships across swimming and cycling events. Born in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Cundy became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games following his stint at Tokyo in 2021. In 2022 he was made a CBE for services to cycling.
“Excited to be welcomed into the Strictly family and throw myself head first into the world of ballroom dancing,” Cundy said. “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.”
Betting odds to win: 25/1
Perhaps more recognisable to older Strictly viewers as the son of the late reality star Jade Goody and partner Jeff Brazier, the 20-year-old has worked as a model and actor, walking for Dolce & Gabbana in Milan and starring in EastEnders.
Brazier said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, 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.”
Betting odds to win: 8/1
As announced on ITV’s Lorraine on the morning of Thursday 10 August, the award-winning actor is this season’s thirteenth contestant. Born in Surrey, Harman started acting at the age of the eight, going on to become a household name as Dennis Rickman in EastEnders, as well as through parts in Downton Abbey, and most recently, Casualty. He’s also a regular feature on the West End, having performed in Guys and Dolls and Shrek the Musical – for which he won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Lord Farquaad, and later went on to direct for its UK tour.
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.”
Betting odds to win: 16/1
After years spent dominating world tennis championships, Annabel Croft will now take on the famous sparkly dancefloor. Aged just 15, Croft became the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon in 95 years, and also represented Great Britain at Wightman and Federation Cup competitions. As a presenter, Croft has extensively covered Wimbledon, fronted entertainment shows including Treasure Hunt and Inceptor, and worked as a pundit for national broadcasters (BBC, Sky, Amazon, ITV, etc.)
“I have always loved watching Strictly,” said Croft. “And [I] 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.”
Betting odds to win: 12/1
Les Dennis is the 15th and final celebrity contestant confirmed for the show. Dennis has a career spanning five decades, including hosting Family Fortunes for 16 years. He started his career as a comedian on the Working Men’s Club circuit in and around his native Liverpool and received his big break on TV Talent show New Faces. He then went on to star in sketch and variety show The Laughter Show, forming a double-act with the late Dustin Gee.
His TV career includes roles in Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders and two years in Coronation Street. On stage he’s starred with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English National Opera, and in hit plays and musicals such as Hairspray, Legally Blonde The Musical and 42 Street.
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.”
