Strictly Come Dancing pays an emotional tribute to their ‘Welsh dragon’ Amy Dowden after the dancer is compelled to overlook collection launch as a consequence of ongoing most cancers battle

Angela Rippon

Age: 78 

Occupation: Journalist 

Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this shall be fairly an journey for me. A scary one, contemplating I am about to be 79. However I am wanting ahead to the problem, and maybe with the ability to be taught to bounce the Argentine Tango.’

Amanda Abbington

Age: 49

Occupation: Actress

Amanda says: ‘I am thrilled to have been requested to do Strictly. I am truly actually shy and self-conscious so this shall be an amazing alternative for me to beat these issues.’

Layton Williams

Age: 28

Occupation: Actor

Layton says: ‘Completely buzzing to verify that I shall be collaborating in THE most iconic dance competitors within the UK! It is time to carry it to the Ballroom. So excited to be taught new expertise from the perfect. Convey on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’

 Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Age: 53

Occupation: Journalist

Krishnan says: ‘I am stunned, delighted and barely confused to search out myself collaborating in Strictly on the premise of ‘You solely stay as soon as!’ I am unable to wait to start out studying to bounce, however I’m barely anxious about my normal decrepitude.’

Eddie Kadi

Age: 40

Occupation: Comic and radio presenter

Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anybody who is aware of me, understands that music and dance is so necessary and central to who I’m. I am so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have requested me to affix the 2023 Staff. I promise you, I’ll give it every thing I’ve received. That is going to be a VIBE.

Angela Scanlon

Age: 39

Occupation: TV presenter

Angela says: ‘I am not notably match, I’ve no concept how my pelvic ground goes to react to this dancing. I’ve by no means achieved any dances other than drunken jiving at a marriage!’ 

Zara McDermott 

Age: 26

Occupation: Documentary maker and former Love Island star

Zara says: ‘I’m so excited to be becoming a member of the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it yearly with my nan and she or he was the largest Strictly fan. We might dance round the home and I’ve such fond recollections of that point in my life.’

Adam Thomas 

Age: 34 

Occupation: Actor and presenter

Adam says: ‘I am unable to dance to avoid wasting my life however I am buzzing to be taught and have chortle with my professional. Get me on that dance ground…I am unable to wait!’

Nikita Kanda 

Age: 27

 Occupation: Radio and TV presenter

Nikita says: ‘I am unable to consider I’ll be on Strictly. This can be a dream come true. I am nonetheless pinching myself. I do not assume it’s going to correctly sink in till I step onto the dancefloor. I am unable to wait to get glammed up and get on the market. Throw the glitter on me!’

Ellie Leach 

Age: 22

Occupation:  Coronation Avenue star

Ellie says: ‘It nonetheless does not really feel actual that I’ll be doing Strictly!! It is at all times been a dream of mine so I assume goals actually do come true!!!!’

Jody Cundy 

Age: 44

Occupation:  Paralympic champion 

Jody says: ‘I am wanting ahead to the problem and pushing myself approach out of my consolation zone, particularly as I am at all times final onto the dance ground. Cannot wait to get caught in, carry on the glitter and sequins.’

Bobby Brazier 

Age: 20

Occupation:  EastEnders star and mannequin 

Bobby says: ‘I am so excited to be a part of the Strictly line up, I am unable to wait to start out coaching like an expert dancer and including just a few strikes to my locker. I am wanting ahead to performing in-front of everybody.’

Nigel Harman 

Age: 49 

Occupation:  Actor

Nigel says: ‘I am amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the present I’ve watched in awe as individuals have twirled and gyrated throughout the display screen. And now it is my flip…..gulp!’

Annabel Croft 

Age: 57 

Occupation:  Broadcaster and ex tennis participant

Annabel says: ‘I’ve at all times liked watching Strictly and might’t fairly consider I’ll be a part of this magical present – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and searching ahead to discovering some joyfulness within the course of.’

Les Dennis 

Age: 69

Occupation: Actor and recreation present host

Les says:  ‘I am thrilled to be doing this iconic fantastic present as I strategy my seventieth birthday! In my profession I’ve at all times gone for challenges outdoors my consolation zone and that is the last word one! Cannot wait.’