STRICTLY COME DANCING: THE RUMOURS SO FAR (UPDATED)
UPDATED - Saturday 22 July 2023
Made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, the multi award winning Strictly Come Dancing promises to entertain the nation once again following the last series which concluded in December 2022, receiving three BAFTA TV Award nominations.
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back in the ballroom overseeing proceedings each weekend as a host of brand new celebrity contestants take to the floor in a bid to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Behind the judges desk once again will be the acid tongued adjudicator Craig Revel Horwood, Let’s Dance Germany judge Motsi Mabuse, NTA Award winning judge Anton Du Beke and The Queen of Latin Shirley Ballas who will return as head judge.
THE RUMOURS
Angela Rippon
Broadcaster
A show source said: "It is such a coup to get Angela. She was Mrs Come Dancing, so what a wonderful thing that she is going to be on Strictly all these years later. She is the dream signing. The audience at home will love her, and many of them will remember her from her days hosting the show in its previous incarnation."
Layton Williams
Performer
A source told the MailOnline: "Strictly bosses signing him for the show will ruffle some feathers because he is professionally trained and has extensive experience with learning difficult choreography, which many of the contestants, especially those from a sporting or political background, will at first find impossible."
Ellie Leach
Actress
A source told The Sun: "This could be just the tonic for Ellie, who’s had some huge life changes this year and could do with something fresh to focus on. As well as splitting from Reagan she left Corrie, a show which she effectively grew up on as she joined the cast when she was just a child."
Angela Scanlon
Presenter and broadcaster
A source told MailOnline: "It is hard to get the mix right for Strictly every year but producers think that Angela is perfect for it. She is really popular with the BBC's viewers but unlike so many celebrities she doesn't have a dancing background so Strictly fans will be able to go on a really enjoyable journey with her."
Bobby Brazier
Actor, EastEnders
A source told The Sun: "'Bobby is the dream signing for Strictly — he's a young heartthrob who comes with a huge fanbase. He also has a very personal backstory and there's so much love out there for Jade. There's a few last-minute details to sort but the talks are in final stages."
Sophie Morgan
Presenter and Loose Women star
A source told The Sun: "She is the ideal star to take on the role. Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes. She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity.”
Adam Thomas
Actor and presenter
A source told The Sun: "After two decades on screen and, as one of the Thomas brothers, he instantly brings a huge fanbase. That’s what Strictly bosses love. Producers also see him as someone who can fill the young hunk role, which is important and often sees them pick soap stars."
Zara McDermott
Reality star and presenter
A source told MailOnline: "She's absolutely loved the experience of documentary making and is over the moon to further her relationship with the BBC by signing up to Strictly. It is a dream come true for her and becoming the first former Love Island star to do so is the icing on the cake."
Nigel Harman
Actor
A source told Mail On Sunday: "He is among the first to confirm and he turns 50 this summer so it is a challenge of his own, too. The line-up is going to be a great mix."
Priya Davdra
Actor
A source told The Mirror: "Priya was singled out as a target for the casting team early in the process and they were keen. She is young, glamorous and would be a great fit for the show."
Strictly Come Dancing returns this Autumn on BBC One and iPlayer. The full line-up will be confirmed in due course.