Strictly Come Dancing reveals Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon and Layton Williams as first 2023 stars
Dust off your sequined suit and dancing shoes, Strictly Come Dancing season is almost upon us and the first three of this year’s celebrity contestants have been revealed.
Award-winning actress Amanda Abbington, veteran journalist and presenter Angela Rippon CBE and West End star Layton Williams will be stepping onto the dance floor this September for the 21st series of the BBC show.
Rumours have been whirling around like a Viennese waltz about who will compete this year but their names were finally made public on the BBC’s The One Show on Friday evening.
Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, first to be named, said she was “thrilled” to have been asked and was looking forward to learning to dance but admitted she had a competitive edge.
“I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things”, she said adding, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you. I can’t wait to start!”
The 49-year-old, famed for her television roles as Mary Morstan in Sherlock and Miss Mardle in Mr Selfridge, has two children with her ex-partner, actor Martin Freeman.
Former BBC newsreader Angela Rippon, the second celebrity revealed, has form when it comes dancing.
A classical dancer in her teens, she famously emerged from behind the news desk to perform a high-kicking routine on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1976 and later presented the BBC’s long-running ballroom show Come Dancing.
Currently presenting BBC’s Rip-Off Britain and a regular on Morning Live and The One Show, she said: “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 she said she was looking forward to the challenges and learning the Argentinian Tango.
Layton Williams, the third contestant unveiled, said he was “absolutely buzzing” to be taking part in Strictly.
The 28-year-old has played the title roles in West End hits Billy Elliot the Musical and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, played Stephen Carmichael in the film and TV series Bad Education, and is the voice over artist for the UK’s first gay dating show, I Kissed a Boy, on BBC.
“It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom,” he said. “Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!”
The BBC has not confirmed the launch date for the show this autumn, although it traditionally starts in September when celebrities are paired with their professional dance partner.
This year’s judging panel is expected to remain the same, with head judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
