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:
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz
According to reports in early 2024, Strictly bosses are keen to make history on the show by signing up married couple Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz to both appear! The rumours are suggesting David and Victoria Beckham's son Brooklyn will be in direct competition with his wife Nicole. Now this would be a huge signing if bosses can pull it off!
Jill Scott MBE
After being crowned Queen of the Jungle during the 2022 series of I'm A Celebrity, former England footballer Jill Scott was heavily rumoured for the 2023 series of Strictly, but after Jill didn't feature, will 2024 be her year?
Phillip Schofield
Rumours have circulated that Phillip Schofield could be taking to the Strictly dancefloor for years, but since his departure from This Morning after 21 years, they've stepped up a notch - with publications reporting that offers have been more "aggressive" this year than for previous series of the show.
Gino D'Acampo
He's loved by the masses, so it's no surprise Strictly bosses are keen to get TV chef Gino D'Acampo on the 2024 series. Gino has been asked to do the show in the past, but he turned the offer down. Will he accept this year?
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux appeared on The Jonathan Ross show last year, where he said: "I know I've had too many drinks when I'm in the kitchen dancing while listening to something on the smart speaker, often hip-hop, and I start doing the funky robot and then I start doing MC Hammer spins.
"And that's where it happens and I start thinking I should really go on Strictly."
Now we would pay to see that - sign him up!
Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star and TV presenter Sophie Morgan is rumoured to become the first ever wheelchair user to take part in Strictly. A source said: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity. It's still very early Âstages and the crew will officially start on pre-production in the coming months."
Alan Carr
Funny man Alan Carr would make a great addition to the show! Alan appeared on Loose Women where he confirmed he'd been asked to take part in the past, so will we see him on the 2024 series?
Rosie Jones
Comedian and actress Rosie Jones recently admitted watching deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis win the series in 2021 inspired her.
Speaking to metro.co.uk, she said: "I'd say what drives me, is when I was growing up, having cerebral palsy I didn't see anybody like me on TV.
"In recent years, people like Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly have just shown that having a disability isn't a disadvantage and it will never stop me!"
Vicky McClure
Following the popularity and success of shows like Line of Duty and Trigger Point, actress Vicky McClure has been linked to the 2024 series of Strictly.
Perri Kiely
Diversity star and KISS FM Breakfast presenter Perri Kiely confessed a few years ago he'd love to take part on the show. Speaking to Digital Spy, the former BGT winner said: "If it was on a technical level, that would be horrendous, so I'd definitely love to give it a go. But I'm not sure people would see that. They'd probably see an unfair advantage. People thought I was cheating on Dancing on Ice, let alone Strictly Come Dancing."
Tom Malone Jr
After leaving Gogglebox in 2021, Tom Malone Jr has expressed his interest in appearing on Strictly in the past. He told the Express: "If the opportunity came up to go on Strictly as a contestant, I've never done Ballroom in my life, so it'd be interesting to see how as someone who breaks."
Munroe Bergdorf
Model Munroe Bergdorf revealed last year she wants to make history by becoming Strictly Come Dancing's first ever transgender contestant.
She told the Make It Reign podcast: "I've always said that 'Strictly' is the only one that I've got a desire to do. I've got a plan. I want to get everything done that I want to achieve, then I can start doing those shows. It's really exciting."
Tommy Fury
After showcasing his 'moves' on his spin-off show The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer with Love Island co-star Curtis Pritchard, fans have been urging Strictly to sign up boxer Tommy Fury.
Michelle Keegan
Since her husband Mark Wright made it into the Strictly final in 2014, every year rumours have been rife that actress Michelle Keegan will sign up.
But Mark set fire to the rumours even further when he took part in Christmas special back in 2019, telling the Radio Times: "Never say never, but I just think her nerves would go to another level."
Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley confessed in July last year he'd love to take part in Strictly, admitting he'd love the chance to learn how to dance properly. He'd be a great signing for 2024!
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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