- Check out the full Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up
The Strictly Come Dancing celebrities donned their finest ensembles as they posed together for the first time ahead of making their show debut.
With the launch show just a week away, the 15 contestants slipped into sparkly gold and black outfits and posed up a storm, much to the delight of fans.
In the official photo of the 2023 line-up, all the ladies put on a leggy display as they rocked glamorous gold dresses for the group photo.
Meanwhile, the gentlemen looked dapper in a variety of looks in black, gold and neutral hues.
The 21st series of the BBC show will kick off on Saturday 16 September, with viewers finally seeing which pro partners the celebrities will be paired with.
Fab-u-lous! The Strictly Come Dancing celebrities donned their finest ensembles as they posed together for the first time ahead of making their show debut
This year’s Strictly will see Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott, Adam Thomas and Nikita Kanda take to the floor.
This year’s Strictly will see Amanda, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott, Adam Thomas and Nikita Kanda take to the floor.
The series, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman , will run for 13 weeks and is set to conclude with the live final on December 16.
Meanwhile, the full line-up was revealed as the professional dancers took centre stage in the show’s dazzling first trailer.
In the new clip filmed at Tate Britain in London, Jowita Przystal is seen taking in the sights with Vito Coppola, while Graziano Di Prima and Katya Jones dance.
Lining the steps of the iconic building, they were joined by Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Lauren Oakley, Giovanni Pernice, Johannes Radebe, Michelle Tsiakkas, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu were also pictured.
Amy Dowden currently can’t compete in the group numbers as she undergoes chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Stunners: L-R Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Nigel Harman, Ellie Leach, Amanda Abbington, Les Dennis, Adam Thomas, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon
Keep dancing! L- R Nikita Kanda, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Annabel Croft, Jody Cundy, Zara McDermott and Bobby Brazier
Training for the series is already in full swing, but this year’s line up are already suffering from a string of injuries as they prepare for the live shows.
Four of the celebrities have already experienced a gruesome injury or painful strain, starting with actress Amanda Abbington who uploaded a gruesome snap of her injury.
The Mr Selfridge star shared a picture of her foot to Instagram as she displayed her huge purple blood blister which spread across the ball of her foot.
The star captioned the post: ‘Blood blister… So… dancing in heels, when you absolutely aren’t a dancer, is clearly a blister minefield but, moreover, very much a young man’s game… however, onwards.’
However Amanda wasn’t deterred from the rehearsal room as she continued: ‘Back tomorrow for more shenanigans!’
Glitzy: The Strictly Come Dancing full line-up was revealed as the professional dancers took centre stage in the show’s dazzling first trailer
Incredible: In the new clip filmed at Tate Britain in London, Jowita Przystal is seen taking in the sights with Vito Coppola, while Graziano Di Prima and Katya Jones dance
Empathising with her fellow contestant, Love Island star Zara McDermott commented: ‘Same here … I’ll rub your feet you rub mine?’
Zara’s feet are also apparently not looking their best after she suffered a bloody toe during a training session.
Elsewhere EastEnders star Bobby Brazier has been working intensely with a physio as he stretched out in preparation for the demanding routines.
Fellow soap star Adam Thomas also hasn’t found training easy after he revealed he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis just days after being announced as a dancer on the show.
The Waterloo Road actor opened up on Instagram last month as he celebrated his 35th birthday.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘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 looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘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.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘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!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
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