Strictly star Nikita Kanda's secret link to Paddy McGuinness and starring role

30 September 2023 , 16:40

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Strictly's Nikita Kanda (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and prov

In a swirl of glitter, Strictly star Nikita Kanda waltzed her way onto our TV screens last week in her first live performance alongside popular professional Gorka Marquez.

Away from the dancefloor, Nikita is best known as the host of BBC Asian Network’s breakfast show after joining the station in 2021 and impressing listeners with hit interviews with stars including singer Akon and Bake Off winner Nadia Hussein. While the Birmingham-born host is known largely for gracing our airwaves, she also has one lesser-known starring role - which links her to actor and comedian Paddy McGuinness.

Aside from Nikita’s radio presenting, the 28-year-old has had a glimpse of what life is like on TV when she appeared as one of thirty women on the final ITV series of dating show Take Me Out in 2019. Appearing as one of the hopeful contestants to bag a date, Nikita starred alongside the show’s host Paddy McGuinness - known for his iconic catch phrase ‘No likey, no lighty!’

Nikita attending a premiere in 2021 (Getty Images)

Paddy McGuinness attending the Pride Of Britain Awards 2021 (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

That’s not Nikita’s only surprising link with fame - after she revealed a Love Island connection on the radio. While being quizzed on air about her connection to one of the Love Island stars, she admitted that she dated one of the former contestants, investment analyst Jay Younger, who appeared on the ITV2 show last summer. Speaking on air, she said: "I'm actually getting flustered right now. I did go on a date with Jay from Love Island.”

Before settling into her host role with the BBC, Nikita studied film and screen media at university, after being brought up in Birmingham, West Midlands. After graduating Nikita worked on Zee TV before presenting the drive time show on Asian Star 101.6FM. She also took part in West End theatre productions including The Wiz, Bugsy Malone, Annie and Pocahontas.

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Nikita and Gorka dancing during dress rehearsal for the first live show (PA)

Nikita on the radio (@nikitakanda/Instagram)

Speaking about her love of the radio, Nikita has previously said: “It’s the only job that I have ever jumped out of bed at 4am for because I love radio. Every day is different - you never know what you’re going to get."

After she was announced as one of 2023’s Strictly stars, Nikita said she “couldn’t believe” she was taking part. Talking on her radio show, she said: “I've grown up watching this show every single year glued to the TV like many of you at home. This has been the biggest secret ever, it's been so hard to keep this in and today I feel relieved, I've finally let this out and sharing this moment with you. I just can't wait for the glitz, the glamour, the hair, the make-up, the outfits, and even to meet those judges."

She will be hoping to improve on last week’s scores after finding herself near the bottom of the leaderboard. The star’s ballroom debut to Whitney Houston Bodyguard classic Run to You saw critique from Craig who said Nikita seemed nervous and awarded her just three out of ten to the sound of boos around the studio.

Louise Lazell