Strictly Come Dancing 2023 isn’t too far away now and the first batch of celebrity contestants has just been confirmed.
Actress Amanda Abbington, national treasure Angela Rippon, West End star Layton Williams and news broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy have so far been announced.
But who else is tipped to be taking part? And when is it back? Read on…
The BBC ballroom competition is set to return to our TV screens this autumn with many more celebrities being tipped as contestants.
Last year, wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin and his dance partner Jowita Przystał won the glitterball trophy, and it looks like many TV stars have a chance to follow in their lead.
When is Strictly returning?
The BBC hasn’t yet confirmed an exact date for the show’s return. However, looking at previous years, it usually begins later in September. We can expect the programme to be on our screens by mid to late September 2023.
Which hosts, judges and pro dancers are back?
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back to host the BBC programme again this year. They’ve hosted together since 2014.
Meanwhile, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke will be back in their judging seats in 2023.
Many of the beloved pro dancers will be returning too. These include Gorka Marquez, Jowita, Johannes Radebe, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu, Kai Widdrington, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Joining them are Neil Jones, Dianne Buswell, Nikita Kuzmin, Lauren Oakley, Graziano Di Prima, Nadiya Bychkova, Carlos Gu and Karen Hauer.
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Rumoured Strictly Come Dancing 2023 stars
Ellie Leach
Actress Ellie Leach, who played the role of Faye Windass in Coronation Street for 12 years, might be putting on her dancing shoes.
An insider 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.”
Nigel Harman
Nigel Harman could be joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The actor is best known for playing Dennis Rickman on EastEnders, as well as Dr Max Cristie on Casualty.
A source 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
EastEnders star Bobby Brazier has been rumoured to join Strictly this year.
The star, who plays Freddie Slater and is the son of the late Jade Goody, is a favourite to sign for the show, according to Mirror.
Priya Davdra
Another EastEnders star that could be gracing the Strictly stage is Priya Davdra.
Speaking of the star, who played Iqra Ahmed on the soap, a source told Mirror: “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.”
Any other names?
Jill Scott
Swapping the jungle for the dance floor? Some reports suggest Jill Scott could sign up for Strictly this year. Some reports have suggested that bosses want Jill on the show.
However, only time will tell.
Les Dennis
TV star Les Dennis is another star thrown into the rumoured contestants mix. A source previously told the Mail on Sunday: “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.”
Phillip Schofield
Following his shock exit from ITV after he admitted to having an affair with a younger colleague, reports previously claimed that BBC bosses were eyeing up Phillip Schofield for Strictly.
In May, a source reportedly told The Sun: “Phil is in the sights of Strictly. They would love to have him on board because of the publicity it would generate for the show. Phil has been asked before but this time the offer was more aggressive.”
They added: “Given he’s currently lying low and trying to work out his next move, it’s unlikely he will put on his dancing shoes but stranger things have happened.”
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Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Stuart Broad
Another name linked to the 2023 series is cricketer Stuart Broad, whose partner is Strictly 2017 contestant Mollie King. A source told The Sun recently: “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.”
Stuart later laughed at the rumours on his Instagram.
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