Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is once again bringing some much-needed glitz and glamour to our weekends as famous faces show off their fancy footwork in hopes of winning the Glitterball trophy. And in a shock, Nigel Harman has had to leave the show (more details below).
TV legends and sports stars are all part of this year's line-up, but last year it was wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin and his dance partner Jowita Przystał who were crowned the winners. But who will we be adding to our Strictly Come Dancing winners list this year?
Here is everything you need to know about the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up, including who was in the dance-off and which celebrity is the latest to be voted off the show...
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up
Nigel Harman out due to injury
Nigel Harman has been forced to pull out of the quarter-final.
A BBC spokesperson said: "Unfortunately Nigel has sustained an injury which means he is unable to perform in tonight’s show and has had to withdraw from Strictly."
The BBC reported it was a rib injury. He had been partnered with Strictly pro Katya Jones.
Nigel became a soap legend after playing Dennis Rickman in EastEnders from 2003 to 2005 and won him multiple awards, including Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards.
After EastEnders, Nigel went on to play valet Mr Green in Downton Abbey and now appears as Casualty’s new clinical lead, Dr Max Cristie.
Nigel has many stage credits, having performed in Guys and Dolls in London’s West End and Shrek the Musical, which he then went on to direct for the UK tour. He has had roles in the films Blood Diamond, Telstar, and The Outsiders and won a prestigious Olivier award for his role in Shrek.
Amanda Abbington - withdrew from the competition
Amanda Abbington has been partnered with Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice.
She is best known for playing Mary Morstan in Sherlock and has a distinguished acting career that spans three decades, which has seen her star in some of the UK’s top drama TV series, including Mr Selfridge, Wolfe, and Desperate Measures.
Amanda also had a lead role in the series The Net and feature film The Lost King and performed in various plays in well renowned theatres across the country.
Amanda said of joining the show: “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!”
Amanda has quit Strictly Come Dancing, with the news being announced on It Takes Two.
A Strictly spokesperson said: “Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future.”
Angela Rippon CBE - eighth couple to leave
Angela Rippon CBE has been partnered with Strictly pro Kai Widdrington.
TV legend Angela is an award-winning journalist, presenter, newsreader and author whose career spans over 50 years.
She currently presents BBC's Rip-Off Britain and is a regular on Morning Live and The One Show. Angela also presented the original Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, so it's only right for her to dust off her dancing shoes and compete in this year's Strictly!
Angela shared her excitement about taking part in the show: “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 and Kai ended up in the dance-off on Sunday, November 5 against Adam and Luba, but the judges voted to keep Angela in the competition.
Angela landed in the dance-off for a second time on November 11 after facing Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
Unfortunately, Angela found herself in the dance-off against Bobby Brazier and Diane Buswell after performing at the iconic Blackpool Tower. All of the judges opted to save Bobby and Diane, so Angela was the eighth to be eliminated.
Layton Williams
Layton Williams has been partnered with Strictly pro Nikita Kuzmin.
Layton is best known as a stage and screen actor. He has performed in London’s West End, giving performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie. His other stage shows include Thriller Live, Rent, Hairspray and New Adventures.
Layton has appeared in the hit British sitcom Bad Education alongside comedian Jack Whitehall, while also having roles in Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner, and I Hate Suzie.
Layton is the voice-over artist for the UK's first gay dating show, I Kissed a Boy on BBC.
He 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!"
Krishnan Guru-Murthy - seventh couple to leave
Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been partnered with Strictly pro Lauren Oakley.
Award-winning journalist Krishnan is best known as the main anchor of Channel 4 News, as well as reporting for the foreign affairs series Unreported World and hosting live debates for Channel 4 during elections, referendums and major crises.
As well as covering major events since joining the team in 1998, he also commentates on live events for Channel 4 such as the Paralympics Ceremonies and presents other TV programmes including the first live televised Autopsy. On top of this, he presents the Channel 4 News podcast Ways to Change the World.
He started his TV career at the BBC presenting youth programmes before moving onto Newsround, Newsnight, BBC World and News 24.
He said of joining the show: “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.”
Krishnan and Lauren were the seventh couple to leave the show after facing Angela and Kai in the dance-off.
Speaking of his time on the show, Krishnan told Tess: "This has been the most incredible experience. I said it has been life-changing and it genuinely has. I am incredibly grateful to the entire production team, judges, my incredible Strictly family. It’s right I am going out this week and I have got to get back to life.
"The thing that has made Strictly really special is Lauren. She is the most incredible teacher, partner and friend. She is the real Strictly star and I am so delighted I am the first partnership you have had. She is going to go a long way and I am very proud of her."
Eddie Kadi - fourth couple to leave
Eddie Kadi has been partnered with Strictly pro Karen Hauer.
Recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand-up personalities, British-Congolese Eddie continues to dominate the world of comedy, reaching across cultures and continents and performing to huge crowds all over the world.
His bold and brilliant entertainment has earned him an ever-growing international fanbase and he was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.
Eddie has hosted a number of prestigious red carpet shows including BET International and BET Africa in Los Angeles and is a main stage host for the Afro Nation Festivals across the world. Eddie has also made appearances on Blankety Blank, The National Comedy Awards, Tonight with Target and more.
The comedian 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.
Eddie revealed: “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 fourth couple to leave the show were Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer after they faced Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima in the dance-off.
Speaking about the result, Kadi said: “I’ve really enjoyed this, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do — I love dancing. This has been the highest moment of my career. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been.
“More importantly, this little African boy, I just wanted my culture to shine. Everything I stand for, when it comes to my comedy, when it comes to my presenting, is based on my culture, is based on my upbringing and I wanted that to shine most importantly.”
Angela Scanlon - ninth couple to leave
Angela Scanlon has been partnered with Strictly pro Carlos Gu.
Angela is an Irish TV presenter for the BBC and RTÉ and hosts the hit interior design show Your Home Made Perfect and Your Garden Made Perfect on BBC Two. She is also the only woman in the UK and Ireland to have their own Saturday night chat show with Ask Me Anything on RTÉ One.
Starting off as a stylist, she worked in fashion TV in Ireland, before beginning her career in the UK as the new presenter of Robot Wars.
Angela has also hosted a number of documentaries for the BBC, including Angela Scanlon's Close Encounters, Trump's Unlikely Superfans, World's Oldest Family and a narrator for Tourettes: Teenage Tics.
Angela was the ninth celebrity to leave the competition after coming head-to-head with Layton in the dance-off. Motsi, Anton and Craig all voted to save Layton meaning Angela would be going home. However, despite it not making a difference in the result, head judge Shirley said she would have chosen to save Angela and Carlos.
Speaking of her time on the show, Angela said: “It’s been honestly incredible, I’m gutted, really gutted that it’s finished now, but it has been the most wonderful experience. I have made the best friend in this man [to Carlos]. We have had so much fun, he is such an incredible guy. He has supported me and picked me up and made me laugh so much. I don’t know what to say, it’s been magical honestly – all of those people up there! My husband at home, my two little girls and all my friends!”
Zara McDermott - fifth couple to leave
Zara McDermott has been partnered with Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima.
After working as a government policy advisor for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Department of Education, documentary maker Zara shot to fame after appearing on Love Island in 2018.
She is now a broadcaster and content creator, who makes documentaries that inspire conversation and educate young people on hard hitting issues. She has presented five BBC documentaries so far, including Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge. She also presents the entertainment show Love In The Flesh on BBC Three.
Zara’s work for young people has been recognised on several occasions and has worked with the government and the Home Office on a number of campaigns to end violence against women and girls and changed the law for victims of digital abuse.
Zara was the fifth celebrity to leave the show after finding herself in the dance-off against Adam and Luba on Halloween Week. Speaking of her time on the show, Zara said: "I have had the time of my life. Just to be here is incredible. Thank you to the judges and my amazing partner obviously.
"My fellow contestants are just incredible. It has been the most amazing experience. I can't believe it's over but I am going to be here in spirit every week supporting them."
Adam Thomas - sixth couple to leave
Adam Thomas has been partnered with Strictly pro Luba Mushtuk.
The soap star played Adam Barton in Emmerdale for nine years until he left the soap in 2018 and recently reprised his role as fan-favourite Donte Charles in Waterloo Road series 12 after the school drama was revived at the start of the year.
Adam appeared in I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2016, where he came in third place behind the Queen of the Jungle, Scarlett Moffatt, and comedian and presenter Joel Dommett. Adam went on to co-host the spin-off I’m a Celebrity: Extra Camp.
Adam shared about taking part: "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!"
Adam left the show on Sunday, November 5 after he found himself in the dance-off once again, this time against Angela and Kai. Sadly Adam's rhumba wasn't enough to keep him in the competition and all four judges voted to save Angela.
Nikita Kanda - second couple to leave
Nikita Kanda was partnered with Strictly pro Gorka Marquez.
Radio host and TV presenter Nikita is the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show, after previously presenting the Saturday afternoon show. She has interviewed an array of star-studded celebrities including Nick Jonas and Sandra Oh and has also fronted regular reports on a range of topics on The One Show.
She was also recently nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards.
Nikita said of joining the line-up: “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!”
Nikita and Gorka faced Les Dennis and his dance partner Nancy Xu in the first dance-off of 2023, luckily the judges voted for them to stay.
However, Nikita and Gorka became the second couple to leave the show after they faced Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima in the dance-off. Nikita and Gorka danced the Jive to Kids In America from Clueless, however, it was Zara and Graziano's Pasodoble to The Puss Suite from Puss In Boots that won the judges over.
Ellie Leach
Ellie Leach has been partnered with Strictly pro Vito Coppola.
Ellie is best known for playing Faye Windass on Coronation Street and was nominated for a number of British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards for her role and major storylines, including falling pregnant at 13, discovering she was going through the menopause and reconnecting with the child she gave up.
After a dramatic time on the cobbles, Ellie recently left the soap after 12 years when her character reunited with daughter Miley and moved away from Weatherfield.
She said of joining the show: “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!”
Jody Cundy CBE - third couple to leave
Jody Cundy CBE was partnered with Strictly pro Jowita Przystal.
Jody is a decorated World and Paralympic Champion, who has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics winning eight Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals across swimming and cycling events. He has also competed in multiple World Championships, winning 23 world titles.
After competing at Tokyo 2021, Jody became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games.
In 2009 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Disability sport, in 2017 this was upgraded to an OBE for his services to Swimming & Cycling and in 2022 he received a CBE for services to cycling.
He currently holds the world record in the Flying 200m and the 1km Time Trial. He also holds 14 consecutive world titles in the MC4 Kilo Time Trial.
Jody shared about joining the line-up: “Excited to be welcomed into the Strictly family and throw myself headfirst 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 on the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins!”
Jody and Jowita were the third couple to leave the show. The pair faced Eddie Kadi and his dance partner Karen Hauer in the dance-off, with all four judges choosing to save Eddie and Karen.
Speaking of her partnership with Jody, Jowita said: "I cannot even describe how proud I am of you Jody, because from day 1 till now, it's an enormous improvement. And I hope one day when you look back at all of this, you will say to yourself I'm proud of myself, because that will be my biggest achievement."
Bobby Brazier
Bobby Brazier has been partnered with Strictly pro Dianne Buswell.
The 20-year-old son of late reality star Jade Goody joined EastEnders in September 2022 as cheeky chappie Freddie Slater.
Prior to making his acting debut in EastEnders, Bobby modelled on the runway for Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week and sat front row alongside Lewis Hamilton at London Fashion Week.
He has also featured on the cover of style magazine Man About Town and is a passionate advocate for positive mental health and well-being on social media.
Bobby 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!”
Annabel Croft
Annabel Croft has been partnered with Strictly pro Johannes Radebe.
Annabel is a former British Number One tennis player who competed at Wimbledon at 15 years old, making her the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years.
She also represented Great Britain in prestigious Wightman and Federation Cup competitions, and continues to play an important role in the coverage of Wimbledon every year.
Annabel has presented entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Inceptor and covers all the major tennis events worldwide. Her TV and radio career includes presenting, commentating, and working as a pundit for a number of broadcasters including BBC, Sky, Amazon Prime, ITV and Discovery.
Annabel 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.”
Les Dennis - first couple to leave
Les Dennis was partnered with Strictly pro Nancy Xu.
Our survey says... Les Dennis! TV legend Les' showbiz career spans over 50 years and he famously hosted Family Fortunes for 16 years from 1987 until 2002.
He started his career as a comedian on the Working Men’s Club circuit in and around Liverpool. He got his big break on TV Talent show New Faces, and 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, Midsomer Murders and two years in Coronation Street as the character Michael Rodwell. On stage, Les has appeared in hit plays and musicals such as Hairspray, Legally Blonde The Musical and 42nd Street.
Les 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.”
Sadly Les Dennis and his dance partner Nancy Xu found themselves to be the first couple voted off in 2023 after facing Nikita Kanda and Gorka Marquez in the dance-off.
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 airs every Saturday evening at 6.15 pm. The results shows air on Sunday nights at 7.15 pm on BBC One, starting from Sunday, October 1, 2023.
