Strictly Come Dancing 2023 confirmed start date, judges, contestants and all the pros taking part

We are only weeks away from the new series of Strictly arriving on screens!

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Strictly Come Dancing 2023 will be back on our screens in a matter of weeks as the BBC confirmed the opening show kicks off on Saturday, September 23, when the contestants and their dancing professionals will be introduced.

The exciting star-studded line-up has already been revealed and includes 15 well-known names such as Les Dennis, EastEnders actors Bobby Brazier and Nigel Harman, Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, Channel 4 News anchor and award-winning journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Sherlock star Amanda Abbington.

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back in the ballroom overseeing proceedings each weekend. While behind the judge's desk once again will be Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, NTA Award-winning judge Anton Du Beke and The Queen of Latin Shirley Ballas who will return as head judge. Here's the full line-up of the stars taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing competition.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing fans 'beg' for two icons to return after they recreate final dance 10 years on

Amanda Abbington was the first celeb announced to take part in this year's series of BBC hit show Strictly Come Dancing. The 49-year-old actress rose to fame in 1999 when she landed the re-occurring role of Malriyn Harwood on Sky One's series Dream Team.

She has since starred in a long list of television shows, most notably playing the role of Mary Watson in BBC Sherlock. She played the on-screen partner of the character Dr. Watson, who was portrayed by her real-life partner at the time, Martin Freeman.

The former newsreader, 78, will take to the floor later in 2023 as the oldest contestant on the show ever.

And it's in her blood, having hosted Strictly's predecessor, the aptly named Come Dancing, between 1988 and 1991. She's taking the oldest dancer crown from Johnny Ball, who was 74 when he competed in 2021.

Angela's best known for her broadcast journalism career, reading BBC One's Nine O'Clock News and even having a hosting stint on Top Gear.

Layton played a young Michael Jackson in the West End's Thriller - Live before he outgrew the role. He debuted in Billy Elliot the Musical on February 26, 2007, after training at the Billy Elliot Academy in Leeds.

He did lots of promotion for the show, and his training was documented on The Paul O'Grady Show.

The 28-year-old has starred in a long list of TV shows and films including I Hate Suzie, Bad Education, and School for Stars. He's also a star on stage having most recently played the lead role in Everyone's Talking About Jamie,

Krishnan is one of the UK's leading broadcasters, thanks to his long-standing career as a news anchor for Channel 4.

The 53-year-old journalist and newsreader kickstarted his career while still studying at Oxford University and presented BBC2's Asian current affairs programmes East and Network East before moving on to Newsround which he presented from 1991 to 1994.

In 1998 he moved over to Channel 4 News and is the second longest-serving presenter after his colleague Jon Snow.

Eddie Kadi is a comedian, presenter and actor born on May 18, 1983, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

He moved to South-West London in 1992 and was a past student of Fulham Primary School. Kadi was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London and he presents the BBC's Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show.

He's also hosted the Mobo Awards.

Angela was a fan favourite during her time presenting BBC's The One Show.

The 39-year-old journalist, radio host, and TV presenter has also fronted BBC2's Your House Made Perfect, Robot Wars and has taken part in Richard Osman's House of Games.

Zara McDermott will become the first ever Love Island star to appear on Strictly. BBC bosses were reportedly keen to sign the 26-year-old up following her recent documentary work.

She's also a star on Instagram with 1.7 million followers and is in a relationship with Made in Chelsea icon Sam Thompson.

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The Waterloo Road and former Emmerdale star Adam Thomas has signed up for the new series. A TV insider told The Sun that the 34-year-old would “bring a huge fanbase” and “that’s what Strictly bosses love”.

The actor is married to Caroline Daly and has two children. He's also the twin brother to former Love Island star Scott Thomas and the younger brother to ex-Corrie star Ryan Thomas.

Nikita, 28, is best known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show, previously having presented the Saturday afternoon show.

She has been nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards and has also fronted regular reports on BBC One’s The One Show on a range of topics from the rise of cashless businesses to government support for female sport.

Nikita Kanda says: "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!"

Ellie shot to fame in 2011 when she joined the legendary soap Coronation Street playing Faye Windass.

Her character tackled some gritty storyline on the cobbles, including teen pregnancy, and early menopause and was even sent to prison for attacking a neighbour. In April 2023, Ellie revealed she was leaving Coronation Street after 12 years, to "pursue other opportunities".

Jody, 44, is a decorated World and Paralympic Champion, he 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. The most recent win at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow this week.

EastEnders fans will be estate to learn Freddie Slater actor Bobby Brazier is competing in the next season of Strictly Come Dancing. The eldest son of Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier, the 20-year-old joined the cast of BBC soap last year.

Before that Bobby had been working as a model, making his runway debut for Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week in 2020 before going on to walk in shows at London and Paris Fashion Weeks. Now he will show off his moves on the dancefloor.

EastEnders legend Nigel Harman has signed up for Strictly Come Dancing 20 years since he made his debut on the soap. The 49-year-old actor, who stars as Max Cristie in Casualty, shot to fame in 2003 when he arrived in Walford as Dennis Rickman, the son of Dirty Den.

Since leaving Albert Square in 2005, the actor, from Purley in South London, has become a meditation expert and coach who regularly offers fans advice and tips on how to stay mindful. The MailOnline reported that the soap star and former Downton Abbey actor had signed up to take part this year.

In addition to starring in TV shows, he's also recently enjoyed a career in the West End starring in shows such as Guys and Dolls and Shrek the Musical.

On Thursday (August 10), Strictly Come Dancing announced Annabel Croft as the fourteenth star to take to the dancefloor.

The 57-year-old was only 15 when she became the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon in 95 years. Aside from her incredible tennis career, Annabel also fronted Treasure Hunt and is a regular pundit on tennis for channels including BBC, Sky, Amazon Prime, ITV and Discovery.

Les Dennis is the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 69-year-old has been in showbiz for over 50 years, including famously hosting Family Fortunes for 16 years.

His TV career includes roles in Extras, Brookside, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders and two years in Coronation Street.

Speaking about joining this year's Strictly line-up, 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."

The Strictly professional dancers who will be paired with a celebrity are yet to be confirmed. However, Amy Dowden will not be taking part in this year's competition as she's currently undergoing treatment for cancer. The following dancers were confirmed earlier this year to be taking part in the 2023 series:

The celebs and their professional dance partners will be introduced to fans on Saturday, September 23 as Strictly returns for its 21st series on BBC One. It will run for 13 weeks and finish on Saturday,December16 .

Want more Strictly Come Dancing news and gossip? Visit our dedicated page here.

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