First three celebrities announced for Strictly Come Dancing
The new series is just around the corner!
Last updated 7th Aug 2023
As we count down the school summer holidays and prepare for autumn to arrive, it's time to start thinking about hit BBC entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing!
With the professional dancers back in training, bosses have now started to reveal this year's famous faces who are set to compete for the famous Glitterball Trophy, with the first three celebrities now announced as Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon and Layton Williams.
The three contestants were announced on The One Show. 78-year-old Rip-Off Britain presenter Angela will be taking part and is set to become the show's oldest contestant. She said: "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!"
Amanda has previously starred in TV shows including Sherlock and Mr Selfridge. Speaking about the show, the 49-year-old said: 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!"
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Layton is known for playing Stephen Carmichael in Bad Education and for starring in several West End shows such as Billy Elliot and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
Layton 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!"
Check out all of the rumoured celebs for Strictly Come Dancing 2023:
Delta Goodrem
2026 is set to be a busy year for singer Delta Goodrem. As well as representing Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, reports are rife Delta has very nearly signed up for Strictly later in the year. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?
Dani Dyer
Reality star Dani Dyer was set to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days ahead of the first live show after fracturing her ankle in training. Dani has expressed her interest in returning, so could we see her in 2026?
As well as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning to host the 21st series, judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are also expected to return when the show kicks off.
Although BBC bosses are yet to confirm the official start date, the 2022 series kicked off on 23rd September, with the 2023 series set to follow a similar timeline.
Last year, celebs such as Kaye Adams, Tyler West, Kym Marsh and James Bye took part in the competition, with Helen Skelton, Fleur East, Molly Rainford and Hamza Yassin making it to the final, before Hamza was crowned the winner after a public vote.
Now that the first celebs for the 2023 series has been unveiled, more names are expected in the coming days.
Strictly Come Dancing will return in September on BBC One.
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