EastEnders legend signs up for Strictly Come Dancing
The new series will air later this year
Last updated 10th Aug 2023
With not long to go until the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing hits our screens, the stars who are set to take to the dancefloor are being announced.
The latest celebrity to be revealed is former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman, famed for playing the role of Dennis Rickman in the popular soap between 2003-2005.
Speaking about his excitement to join the show, Nigel said: "I'm amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. 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!"
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?
Despite only appearing on EastEnders for a number of years, Nigel's character Dennis made a huge impact with viewers, quickly being dubbed the 'bad boy pin-up' at the time.
Nigel made his final appearance on EastEnders in 2005 when his character was fatally stabbed at the start of the New Year Fireworks during the special episode on 30th December, dying in Sharon's arms.
Since leaving the soap as 'legendary character', Nigel went on to appear in a number of high profile TV shows, including The Friday Night Club, Hotel Babylon, Cuckoo and ITV's Downtown Abbey.
In recent months, Nigel is appearing in Casualty as a series regular, playing the role of Dr Max Cristie.
So far this year, Strictly bosses have already confirmed this year's professional dancers set to take part in the new series, including fan favourites Gorka Marquez, Dianne Buswell and Giovanni Pernice.
A host of stars have also been announced, including Adam Thomas, Angela Rippon and Zara McDermott.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.
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Strictly Come Dancing 2023: All of the rumoured celebrities