Our favourite show for a cozy Saturday night is coming back!
While we don't have an official start date for Strictly Come Dancing, we *do* know who all fifteen contestants will be.
Zara McDermott
If there's anyone you'll know from this year's line-up, it's got to be Zara. The 26-year-old is the first Love Island star to ever take part in Strictly.
Since her time in the villa, she's worked on a number of BBC documentaries around eating disorders, rape culture and revenge porn.
Speaking about joining the show, she said "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."
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Angela Scanlon
Irish gal Angela Scanlon is "terrified" to be taking part in this year's show.
She's the only woman in Ireland and the UK to have her own Saturday night chat show, Ask Me Anything.
While she's feeling the nerves, she's also beyond excited – and full of 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!?"
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Ellie Leach
There are a ton of soap stars taking part in the show this year, like Corrie actor Ellie Leach. She spent twelve years playing Faye Windass on the series – including one story where she was pregnant at age 13.
"It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly," she said.
"It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!"
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Bobby Brazier
The youngest of this year's contestants, actor Bobby Brazier has played Freddie Slater in EastEnders.
He's the least likely to shy away from the glitz and glam of Strictly, as he's also a model. If you love fashion, you may know Bobby from when he walked the runway at Milan Fashion Week with Dolce & Gabbana.
"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!”
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Nigel Harman
Fans of EastEnders will be thrilled to see Bobby isn't the only actor from the show on this year's line-up. It's just one of the shows Nigel Harman has appeared on, with others being Downtown Abbey and his current show, Casualty.
He said, "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!"
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Adam Thomas
Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas is "so excited" to take to this year's Strictly dance floor.
He's recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but despite the pain, he's still excited to give dancing a go.
"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."
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Annabel Croft
For 95 years, Annabel Croft was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbeldon at age 15. She retired aged 21 and moved into the world of making fitness videos.
That training and agility may pay off for her, as she's delighted to be taking part in this year's show.
"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.”
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Layton Williams
If you've seen Jack Whitehall's Bad Education, you might recognise Layton Williams. He played Stephen in the show before moving on to tour the UK playing Angel in Rent.
"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," he said.
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Angela Rippon
This contestant isn't new to the world of dance shows!
Before Strictly Come Dancing, there was a BBC show called Come Dancing. Non-celebrity dancers represented their country as they competed in ballroom dancing.
The show ran from 1949 to 1998 – but was eventually revived as was Strictly, and Angela Rippon was one of the hosts of the original Come Dancing.
"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."
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Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Channel 4 journalist Krishnan is as surprised as we are that he's on the line-up this year.
"I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘you only live once!’"
He joked, "I just hope I’m not the only one enjoying my participation."
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Jody Cundy CBE
Cyclist and swimmer Jody Cundy has won eight gold medals at the Paralympics, and now he's trying to make the Glitterball his own!
While dancing is "so far away from what [he's] used to," he's excited to throw himself "head first" into the training.
"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!"
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Eddie Kadi
It's a series full of history-makers, it seems! Comedian Eddie Kadi was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.
But will dancing be scarier than trying to make 20,000 people laugh?
"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. This is going to be a VIBE."
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Les Dennis
Comedian-turned-tv presenter Les Dennis spent sixteen years hosting Family Fortunes.
He "can't wait" for the challenge that comes with training for Strictly.
"I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday," he said.
"In my career, I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one!"
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Nikita Kanda
Radio presenter Nikita Kanda has admitted to "pinching [herself]" now that she's on the Strictly line-up.
She's not expecting it to sink in until she gets onto the dancefloor.
But if there's one thing she's looking forward to, it's the glitziness of it all.
"I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!”
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Amanda Abbington
Mr. Selfridge, Wolfe, Sherlock – if you've seen any of them, then you've seen Amanda Abbington at work!
The actress admitted to being "shy and self-conscious," so she's hoping this will help gain confidence.
"I’m really looking forward to the training. I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you," she said.
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Strictly will start in September!
