Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up: Full cast of contestants
From confirmed arrivals to eliminated contestants, here's all you need to know about the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 cast line-up.
After 12 weeks of brilliant performances, it's now time for the Strictly Come Dancing final.
This year, 15 celebrities signed up for the BBC One dance show, and now just three remain in the running to lift the Glitterball. Those celebs are Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, and Layton Williams, who will all perform three dances this weekend in a bid to impress the judges and the voting audience.
The Strictly Come Dancing songs and dances have been revealed for the finale, and from several show dances, to an American Smooth, Quickstep and a Samba, it's looking to be a jam-packed show of entertainment.
As well as performances from the finalists, we'll also see some of this year's contestants returning for a special group dance.
While Nigel Harman will be making a comeback, after having to pull out ahead of the quarter-final due to an injury, Amanda Abbington won't return for the final following her exit earlier in the season due to "personal reasons".
As the final, kicks off read on for everything you need to know about this year's contestants.
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up: Full cast of contestants
The following stars have been confirmed for the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 cast:
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 finalists:
Former Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestants:
- Annabel Croft - ELIMINATED in Week 12
- Nigel Harman - WITHDRAWN DUE TO INJURY ahead of Week 11
- Angela Scanlon - ELIMINATED in Week 10
- Angela Rippon - ELIMINATED in Week 9
- Krishnan Guru-Murthy - ELIMINATED in Week 8
- Adam Thomas - ELIMINATED in Week 7
- Zara McDermott - ELIMINATED in Week 6
- Amanda Abbington - LEFT THE COMPETITION in Week 5
- Eddie Kadi - ELIMINATED in Week 5
- Jody Cundy CBE - ELIMINATED in Week 4
- Nikita Kanda - ELIMINATED in Week 3
- Les Dennis - ELIMINATED in Week 2
For more on the celebrities confirmed to be taking part, read below.
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Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Job: Actor and model
Instagram: @bobbybrazier
EastEnders favourite Bobby Brazier is joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The high fashion model, now best known for his role as loveable Freddie Slater in the BBC One soap opera, is also the son of the late Big Brother icon Jade Goody and television presenter Jeff Brazier.
Brazier is also prominent on social media as an advocate for mental well-being and spirituality.
"I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up," commented Brazier. "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!"
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Job: Actress
Instagram: @ellielouiseleach
Former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach is joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
Famous for her role as Faye Windass on the ITV soap, Leach departed her long-running 12-year role earlier this year for new opportunities.
Speaking of joining Strictly, 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!!!!"
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Job: Actor, singer and dancer
Instagram: @laytonwilliams
Twitter: @LaytonWilliams
Williams rose to prominence in the theatre scene, with major roles in iconic shows including Billy Elliot, Rent, Hairspray, Kiss Me Kate and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
Viewers may also know him from BBC sitcom Bad Education, Sky Atlantic's darkly comic drama I Hate Suzie Too, or BBC Three's LGBTQ+ dating show I Kissed A Boy, where he serves as narrator.
Williams said in a statement: "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!"
Former Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestants
The following contestants have now departed Strictly Come Dancing. We will be sure to update this with each exit.
Les Dennis - Eliminated in Week Two
Age: 69
Job: TV presenter, actor and comedian
Instagram: @lesdennis
Professional dance partner: Nancy Xu
When was Les Dennis eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023? Week Two
Well-known TV presenter and all-round entertainer Les Dennis has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
Many will undoubtedly recognise Dennis for being at the helm of gameshow Family Fortunes from 1987 until 2002, and he's also starred in many TV dramas over the years, most notably in Coronation Street as Michael Rodwell.
On stage, Dennis has also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the English National Opera, and appeared in the hit musicals Legally Blonde The Musical, Hairspray, and 42nd Street on the West End.
Speaking about joining Strictly, Les 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."
Les was the first contestant to be voted off of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 in Week Two. Dennis was in the bottom two against Nikita Kanda, who the judges elected to save.
Nikita Kanda - Eliminated in Week Three
Age: 27
Job: Radio host and TV presenter
Instagram: @nikitakanda
When was Nikita Kanda eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023? Week Three
Presenter Nikita Kanda has joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show and recently nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards, Kanda is also a regular reporter on The One Show.
Kanda said of joining Strictly: “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 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!”
Jody Cundy CBE - Eliminated in Week Four
Age: 44
Job: Paralympian cyclist and former swimmer
Instagram: @jody_cundy
When was Jody Cundy eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023? Week Four
Jody Cundy CBE is joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The highly decorated World and Paralympic Champion Jody Cundy has represented Great Britain across seven summer Olympics, winning eight Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals across swimming and cycling events.
Jody Cundy CBE said: "Excited to be welcomed into the Strictly family and throw myself head first into the world of ballroom dancing. 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!"
Eddie Kadi - Eliminated in Week Five
Age: 40
Job: Comedian, presenter and actor
Instagram: @comeddiekadi
Twitter: @EddieKadi
When was Eddie Kadi eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023? Week Five
Eddie Kadi is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and radio presenter.
The first black British comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London, Eddie has hosted the MOBO Awards, as well as the official red carpet show for BET International and BET Africa in Los Angeles and the main stage of the Afro Nation Festivals across the world.
He has also appeared on numerous TV shows 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: David Live.
Eddie fronts The Official Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and is a Team Captain on ITV’s entertainment format Sorry I Didn’t Know; and this year, he has been nominated for both the Royal Television Society Best Breakthrough Award and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards.
In a statement, Eddie said: “WOW. Anyone who knows me 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. This is going to be a VIBE!”
Amanda Abbington - Left the competition in Week Five
Age: 51
Job: Actor
Instagram: amanda_abbington74
Twitter: N/A
When did Amanda Abbington leave Strictly Come Dancing 2023? Week Five
Amanda Abbington is best known for playing Mary Morstan in BBC One's detective drama Sherlock, where she starred opposite then-husband Martin Freeman, while she also appeared as Josie Mardle in ITV period piece Mr Selfridge.
More recently, she has taken roles in UKTV comedy feature We Are Not Alone, Netflix fantasy series Lockwood & Co. and BBC Two anthology Inside No. 9.
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!"
Zara McDermott - Eliminated in Week Six
Age: 26
Job: BBC Three documentary filmmaker and reality TV star
Instagram: @zara_mcdermott
When was Zara McDermott eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2023? Week Six
Zara McDermott rose to fame as a contestant on Love Island in 2018, memorably having a romance with Adam Collard.
Following this, Zara appeared on Made in Chelsea from 2019 to 2020 and had an on-off romance with Sam Thompson with whom she is now still in a relationship.
Zara moved into documentary filmmaking in 2021, fronting the documentary Zara McDermott: Revenge Porn and has gone on to make many more since.
She has also appeared as a contestant on The X Factor: Celebrity.
McDermott said: "I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! 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."
Adam Thomas - Eliminated in Week Seven
Age: 34
Job: Actor and television presenter
Instagram:@adamthomas21
Adam Thomas is an actor and television presenter best known for his acting roles as Donte Charles the continuing drama Waterloo Road and as Adam Barton in Emmerdale.
The actor has also worked as a presenter alongside his own brothers, former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas and former Love Island star Scott Thomas.
Will Adam be able to bring his acting abilities to the dancefloor?
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!"
Krishnan Guru-Murthy - Eliminated in Week Eight
Age: 53
Job: Journalist, newsreader
Instagram: @krishgm
Twitter: @krishgm
Krishnan Guru-Murthy is one of the UK's most recognisable journalists, ranking as the second longest-serving presenter of Channel 4 News – a programme he joined back in 1998.
His career has seen him interview numerous senior politicians and Hollywood stars, while he has also ventured to Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Iraq, South Africa, and Yemen in reports for Unreported World.
Guru-Murthy said: "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.
"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."
Angela Rippon - Eliminated in Week Nine
Age: 78
Job: Newsreader and presenter
Instagram: @theangelarippon
Twitter: @TheAngelaRippon
Well-known former newsreader and TV presenter Angela Rippon will be the oldest contestant in Strictly's history when she takes to the ballroom floor later this year.
Rippon became the first permanent female journalist to present the BBC national television news back in 1975, and she also hosted original dance show, Come Dancing, from 1988 to 1991 before returning once again in 1998 when the show ended.
Now, Rippon can be seen presenting shows like Rip Off Britain, as a regular voice on BBC gameshow The Wall and is often seen presenting on GB News as a stand-in for Alastair Stewart.
Rippon 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!"
Angela Scanlon - Eliminated in Week 10
Age: 39
Job: TV presenter
Instagram: @angelascanlon
Twitter: @angelascanlon
Irish TV star Angela Scanlon already has a relationship with the BBC, having worked on The One Show and Your Home Made Perfect.
She also hosts the Saturday night chat show Ask Me Anything on RTÉ.
“I'm panicking a bit... but also secretly thrilled about the prospect of all that glitter,” revealed Angela. "I'm terrified, I'm excited and I have so many questions. 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?!"
Nigel Harman - Withdrew in Week 11 due to injury
Age: 49
Job: Actor
Instagram: @themeditatingactor
Casualty star and EastEnders icon Nigel Harman has been confirmed to be joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The actor, who currently stars as the clinical lead Max Cristie in Casualty, had long been rumoured to be appearing in the series.
Harman also has an illustrious stage career, having won an Olivier for his performance in Shrek the Musical.
He also bagged a National Television Award for best newcomer for his turn as heartthrob Dennis Rickman in EastEnders from 2003 to 2005.
Speaking about joining the show, 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!"
The former EastEnders and Casualty star was all set to dance a Charleston with Katya Jones to Step in Time from Mary Poppins for musicals week, but sadly had to leave due to an injury.
"Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform and has had to withdraw from Strictly," said a spokesperson.
Annabel Croft - Eliminated in Week 12
Age: 57
Job: Tennis legend and TV presenter
Instagram: @annabel_croft
Tennis icon Annabel Croft has been confirmed to be joining Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
Annabel is a former British Number One tennis player who, at 15 years old, was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon in 95 years.
The star has gone on to have a presenting career, including playing an integral role in the coverage of Wimbledon each year and also fronting entertainment shows like Treasure Hunt.
Croft said: "I have always loved watching Strictly and 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."
The Strictly Come Dancing 2023 final airs on Saturday 16th December at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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