Strictly stars glam up - and Anton will join the professionals for first number

08 September 2023 , 18:02

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This year's Strictly line-up (Image: BBC Studios/Ray Burmiston)

Strictly Come Dancing’s new golden wonders glam up for the BBC hit’s 21st series.

In a first glance at the line-up, celebrities struck a pose in chic dresses and sharp suits. The talent show returns next Saturday when the stars will be paired with professional dancers. And for the first time judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke will join the professionals in the opening group number, House of Strictly.

A source said: “It’s a full routine and it’s brilliant. So great to see them back on the dance floor showing everyone exactly why they are in the judges’ seats.” But as this year’s bunch of 15 novices get into the groove in training, they also face several personal challenges. Tennis presenter Annabel Croft is seeking to ease her grief after losing Mel, her husband of 31 years, in May.

Channel 4 news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy is dancing despite a serious heart condition. At 79, consumer champion Angela Rippon is embracing being the series’ oldest-ever contestant. And West End star Layton Williams is braced for a backlash over his dance experience.

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (PA)

Ex-Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas will perform while battling rheumatoid arthritis. TV host and actor Les Dennis is praying his knee replacement of two years ago holds out. And ex-Sherlock actress Amanda Abbingdon hopes a row that left her being unfairly branded transphobic will not affect fans’ votes.

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Ellie Leach is wishing Strictly helps her career after her role as Coronation Street’s Faye Windass was recently axed after a 10-year run. The bookies’ favourite to win is EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier, with Anglea Scanlon, who fronts BBC2’s Your Home Made Perfect, a hot tip. The other celebs waltzing into the ballroom are comedian Eddie Kada, former Love Islander Zara McDermott, Paralympian Jody Cundy, actor Nigel Harman and radio presenter Nikita Kanda.

The launch show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will also contain a tribute to Len Goodman, who died in April aged 78. A spokeswoman said: “Strictly Come Dancing will be fondly remembering beloved former head judge Len in the 2023 launch show with a special film that will also feature memories from other judges, presenters and professional dancers.”

Who are the favourites to look good on dancefloor?

1. Angela Rippon, 78, BBC presenter - 10/1

2. Layton Williams, 28, musicals star - 5/1

3. Nigel Harman, 50, actor - 11/2

4. Ellie Leach, 22, ex-Corrie star - 16/1

5. Les Dennis, 69, actor/presenter - 35/1

6. Amanda Abbington, 49, actor - 25/1

7. Adam Thomas, 35, actor - 11/1

8. Eddie Kadi, 40, comedian - 22/1

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9. Angela Scanlon, 39, BBC presenter - 4/1

10. Nikita Kanda, 27, radio host - 16/1

11. Krishnan Guru-Murthy, 53, TV journalist - 25/1

12. Annabel Croft, 57, tennis presenter - 14/1

13. Jody Cundy, 44, paralympic cyclist - 30/1

14. Zara McDermott, 26, reality star - 10/1

15. Bobby Brazier, 20, actor - 7/2

Nicola Methven