Strictly Come Dancing 2023: A Season of Firsts, Fierce Competition, and Fabulous Footwork

The glitterball is calling! After a hugely successful run, netting three BAFTA TV Award nominations, Strictly Come Dancing is back for another season of dazzling routines, sparkling costumes, and dramatic eliminations. A fresh batch of celebrities, paired with the show's world-class professional dancers, are ready to waltz, tango, and cha-cha their way into the nation's hearts - all vying for the coveted Glitterball trophy, currently held by reigning champion Hamza Yassin.

Meet the Professionals: A Symphony of Skill and Experience

This year's professional dancer lineup is a melting pot of talent, experience, and international flair. From seasoned veterans to fresh faces, each brings a unique style and expertise to the dance floor.

• Karen Hauer: The longest-serving professional, returning for her twelfth series.
• Katya Jones: A Strictly champion, having won with Joe McFadden.
• Gorka Marquez: A three-time finalist, hungry for that elusive win.
• Giovanni Pernice: The longest-serving male professional, having finally lifted the Glitterball with Rose Ayling-Ellis.
• Dianne Buswell: Reached the final with partner Joe Sugg.
• Graziano Di Prima: Represented both Italy and Belgium at the World Championships.
• Amy Dowden: Grew up watching Strictly Come Dancing.
• Neil Jones: A Strictly professional with celebrity partners including professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.
• Nikita Kuzmin: A six-time Italian Champion.
• Luba Mushtuk: Part of the Strictly Come Dancing family.
• Jowita Przystal: The current reigning Strictly champion.
• Kai Widdrington: Christmas champion alongside his Christmas partner actress Alexandra Mardell.
• Nancy Xu: Reached the semi-final of the competition with both of her celebrity partners, CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson in and actor Will Mellor.
• Lauren Oakley: Crowned Under 21 British National Champion.
• Michelle Tsiakkas: An undefeated Latin dance champion.
• Vito Coppola: Won the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing in his first year.

The Class of 2023: Who Will Rise to the Challenge?

The celebrity lineup this year is as diverse and intriguing as ever. Here's a sneak peek at some of the stars taking to the dance floor:

• Angela Rippon: The show's oldest contestant, paired with Kai Widdrington.
• Amanda Abbington: Dancing with Giovanni Pernice, hoping to replicate his past success.
• Layton Williams: Forming one half of this year's same-sex pairing, partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.
• Annabel Croft: Paired with Johannes Radebe, promising a partnership full of grace and emotion.
• Krishnan Guru-Murthy: Channel 4 News anchor, stepping into the ballroom spotlight. Will his journalistic precision translate into dance floor finesse?
• Nigel Harman: Known for his acting roles, now tackling the challenge of ballroom. "Amazed, excited, and terrified," he says.

Same-Sex Couples: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change

Strictly continues to champion inclusivity, and this year features the exciting pairing of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, creating a same-sex couple dynamic that promises to be both groundbreaking and captivating. This follows in the footsteps of previous same-sex pairings that have delighted audiences and challenged perceptions, demonstrating the show's commitment to reflecting the diversity of its viewers.

Will Layton and Nikita follow in the dancing shoes of John Whaite and Johannes Radebe from the 2021 series? Only time and twirls will tell.

When Does the Magic Begin?

Mark your calendars! Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens on September 16th with the launch show. Last year the launch show was on 23rd September, followed by the first live show on 24th September. This year, fans are getting a Strictly fix a little earlier!

Get ready for Saturday nights filled with glitz, glamour, and gravity-defying moves. The journey to the Glitterball trophy is about to begin. Who will be the twinkle-toed champion this year?