British-Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi has been confirmed to join the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The presenter, DJ and actor was the fifth contestant to be announced. But ballroom dancing will be just another string this multi-talented star will be adding to his bow.
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Who is Eddie Kadi?
Best known as a comedian, 40-year-old Eddie was born in 1983 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He moved to South-West London in 1992 when he was eight and set his sights on the media, studying the subject at uni.
What does he do for work?
What doesn’t he do for work?! A man of many talents, a huge achievement for Eddie was being the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London. He told how he approached the venue first, but was “laughed at”. But when he sold out the smaller sister venue they emailed to ask him to play the main arena. As reported by The Independent in 2010, he explained: “Some people would say that I should continue playing it safe in smaller venues but I don’t see why I should keep taking baby-steps when I am confident I can take giant leaps. I am always looking to improve and move my career forward.”
And he’s done just that. Since then, he hosted the official red-carpet shows for BET International and BET Africa in LA, as well as the MOBO Awards. He’s also hosted for the Afro Nation Festivals worldwide. When he’s not busy being a globally recognised figure, he presented the BBC’s Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on Radio 1Xtra.
What is he doing now?
Eddie has now turned his hand to TV. He’s currently producing a documentary where he’ll look at Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, Ed Sheeran and Liam Payne’s fave holiday destination – Ghana.
Speaking about his upcoming project, Eddie said: “I am so thrilled to be working with Rumpus and Channel 4 on this very special project. I’m so excited to showcase the different layers of this beautiful continent – the culture, lifestyle and, most importantly, the people. Africa is so diverse and is home to some of the most successful, impactful and innovative people in the world. Sharing their stories will be an absolute revelation!”
This year, Eddie was nominated for two gongs at the Edinburgh TV Awards – the Royal Television Society’s Best Breakthrough Award, and the Best Breakthrough Presenter.
Eddie Kadi net worth
It’s been reported that Eddie’s net worth is around £5m at the moment, according to reports.
Is Eddie Kadi married?
We couldn’t find any reliable information on whether or not Eddie has a significant other at the moment. If he’s single, he could be the next star to benefit from the Strictly curse!
Eddie on Strictly
After being announced for Strictly, Eddie released a heartfelt statement about his new adventure.
He 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.”
The BBC added: “Eddie Kadi is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and radio presenter.
“Recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand-up personalities, British-Congolese Eddie Kadi, continues to dominate the world of comedy, reaching across cultures and continents and performing to huge crowds all over the world. His signature brand of brilliant, bold, high energy entertainment has won him an ever-growing international fanbase and he was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.
“This year, Eddie has been nominated for both the prestigious Royal Television Society Best Breakthrough Award and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards. He is also in production for his own documentary with Channel 4.”
Read more: Jeff Brazier’s warning to son Bobby as he signs up for Strictly Come Dancing
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