Eddie Kadi heartbreaking reaction to finding out he was appearing on Strictly

30 September 2023 , 16:30

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Eddie Kadi and Karen Hauer (Image: PA)

For stand-up comedian Eddie Kadi, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing is no laughing matter.

The 40-year-old comedian and radio host is now part of the dazzling line-up of celebs fighting for a chance to win the coveted Glitterball trophy in the 2023 dance series. While it's all glitz and glamour, Eddie admitted that competing on Strictly is a real “dream” after facing numerous barriers growing up.

Eddie first moved to the UK at the age of eight from his hometown in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Settling in Fulham, west London, Eddie was unable to speak a word of English and quickly had to quickly learn to adapt. But very soon, Eddie started to take an interest in TV and planted the seed for his future career as a comedian - idolising stars such as Ronnie Corbett and Victoria Wood, according to

Eddie at the GRM Gala in August 2023 (WireImage)

Eddie attending an exhibition earlier this month (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Som)

Now, appearing on Saturday’s first live show to dance with Strictly pro Karen Hauer, Eddie said finding out he was taking part in the beloved TV series was a “special moment”. He said: “For me to be a part of this thing, this amazing institution – it’s a dream. People have to understand that I’ve been on a very long journey. I’m a boy from Congo, came to this country, couldn’t speak a word of English and acquired it over the years. And some of the people that I’ve grown up watching on TV, I’m now in the show with – like Les Dennis. It’s such a special moment for me, and just to get to this stage after everything is a different story for me so I’ve already won. So the only competition for me has just been being able to get through certain barriers.”

He can still always see the funny side though, adding: “I’m here with my trophy so there’s no competition, it’s all fun, it’s all amazing, it’s just been decorated with the world of dance, which I’m incredibly honoured by, because you know what? Dance lessons are very expensive and I’m getting them for free… it’s like January Boxing Day sales.”

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Eddie and Karen during the dress rehearsal for their dance last Saturday (September 23) (PA)

Eddie made history has the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London. He has also become known for fronting The Official Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and captaining ITV ’s panel show Sorry I Didn’t Know. He is also in the middle of production for his own documentary with Channel 4.

Speaking about his new Strictly partner Karen, Eddie said they spend all their time laughing during rehearsals. “I actually think ‘When are we going to get some dancing in’ and somehow, along the lines, we get the dancing in but from the moment I found out I was just like ‘this is amazing'”, he said. “Karen is just full of life but she also has that bit where there’s equilibrium, there’s a nice balance and she’s Latino, she knows how to get me in shape.”

Louise Lazell