SCD Series 21 Discussion Thread

[Ariel1989]

So exciting that the reveals are finally happening!  Here’s the contestants’ ages (current and when they go on Strictly) and heights, the pros’ heights and my personal predictions.  I’ll update them with each reveal.  
 

Amanda Abbington: age 49 / height 5’4”

Angela Rippon: age 78-79 / height 5’6”

Layton Williams: age 28-29 / height 5’10”

 

Johannes: 6’3”

Kai: 6’2”

Carlos: around 6’0” (he looked close to Johannes’ height side by side)

Graziano: 6’0”

Vito: 5’11”

Nikita: 5’11”

Giovanni: 5’10”

Luba: 5’9”

Neil: 5’9”

Nadiya: 5’8”

Gorka: 5’8”

Nancy: 5’6”

Lauren: 5’6”

Karen: 5’5”

Katya: 5’5”

Michelle: 5’5”

Dianne: 5’5” (maybe shorter)

Jowita: 5’0”

 

My predictions:

Amanda & Gorka: she’s the right height for him, might change if a shorter woman is cast but so far can’t see her with any of the other shorter pros unless she’s with Neil as a guaranteed early exit so that he isn’t away from his fiancée Chyna and their upcoming baby girl for too many hours in the day (Chyna appears to be due in late September according to her IG); also can’t see Gio with a non-contender after Richie last year and the others might be too tall.  

 

Angela & Vito: seems like a good change of pace for Vito after a talented and bubbly young partner like Fleur,  he seems like a nice enough guy who can adapt to a limited and mature lady; again, can’t see Gio with a non-contender.  

 

Layton & Graziano: initially thought Nikita but can see Graz getting the same-sex partnership after being rumored for it in 2021 and also getting a ringer after his good runs with Judi and Kym; it might depend on if Layton wants to lead or follow or do both with his partner, if he wants to share the roles like John & Johannes did then he’ll get someone close to his height, if he wants to just follow then maybe Kai (I don’t think Johannes is an option since he’s already had a male partner).  

[Ariel1989]

Ew, apparently Amanda is an unapologetic TERF; Twitter and IG are calling it OUT.  

[*Wallace]

12 minutes ago, Ariel1989 said:

Ew, apparently Amanda is an unapologetic TERF; Twitter and IG are calling it OUT.  

I read about this on Digital Spy but wasn't going to mention it here.

[*Wallace]

A 4th celebrity reveal!

 

Breaking news: Krishnan Guru-Murthy is our fourth celebrity for Strictly 2023!

 

 

Krishnan Guru-Murthy is a journalist, broadcaster and the main anchor of Channel 4 News, as well as reporting for the foreign affairs series Unreported World and hosting live debates for Channel 4 during elections, referendums and major events. He won the Royal Television Society Journalism Award for best Network Presenter in 2022.

 

Since joining the Channel 4 News team in 1998 he has covered major events from the Omagh bombing to the 911 attacks and from the Arab Spring to the Ukraine War. He also commentates on live events for Channel 4 such as the Paralympics Ceremonies, and presents programmes outside the news including the first live televised Autopsy. He also presents the Channel 4 News podcast Ways to Change the World.

 

He started his TV career at the BBC presenting youth programmes before moving onto Newsround, Newsnight, BBC World and News 24.

 

Krishnan said: “I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘you only live once!’ and I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude. I know I’m going to love it and have a brilliant time and just hope I’m not the only one enjoying my participation.”

 

The news was revealed on Claudia Winkleman’s show on BBC Radio 2. 

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/aa68cbd4-1373-40ed-b3b9-1cbec5685dae

[*Wallace]

The 5th celebrity reveal. Now we have one third of the cast announced.  

 

 

Eddie Kadi is the fifth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2023!

 

 

Eddie Kadi is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and radio presenter. Recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand up personalities, British-Congolese Eddie Kadi, continues to dominate the world of comedy, reaching across cultures and continents and performing to huge crowds all over the world. His signature brand of brilliant, bold, high energy entertainment has won him an ever-growing international fanbase and he was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.

 

Eddie’s worldwide reputation has seen him host both the official red carpet show for BET International and BET Africa in Los Angeles as well as being main stage host for the Afro Nation Festivals across the world.

 

He has hosted the prestigious MOBO Awards and appeared on numerous TV formats including Blankety Blank, The National Comedy Awards, Tonight with Target, +44 Presents: The Noughties Podcast, Don’t Hate the Playaz, and Road to Afro Nation: David Live. He also fronts The Official Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and is a Team Captain on ITV’s entertainment format Sorry I Didn’t Know.

 

This year, Eddie has been nominated for both the prestigious Royal Television Society Best Breakthrough Award and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards. He is also in production for his own documentary with Channel 4.

 

Eddie said: “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."

 

The news was revealed today on The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi, on BBC Radio1Xtra.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/8581af41-12ac-4ed5-a1be-bafd0c7482a2

[*Lily]

Interesting cast so far! I'm most excited for Layton, I just know he's going to kill it (and be our likely dance-off assassin until the final because he's a major ringer).

 

I think Angela will be a pleasant surprise, and Krishnan is a fun choice I wouldn't have predicted. Never heard of Eddie, I guess he ticks the box of the lesser-known celeb in the cast / radio personality similar to Tyler last year, but I'm excited to find out more about him.

 

I was looking forward to Amanda, but since finding out more about her I can't say I'm interested.

 

Excited to see how the rest of the cast pans out. There's nobody in the rumored names who's making me super excited just yet, but a few that if they do appear I'd be intrigued about.

Edited August 6, 2023 by *Lily

[*Wallace]

I agree with a lot of Lily's thoughts here.  

 

Of those announced so far, definitely most excited about Layton. His run/journey on the show does seem kinda easy to predict but just hoping/looking forward to some high-quality dancing and performing from him.

 

Angela is a great name, seems like a legendary star to have on the show. I'm sure she'll be fun and enjoyable. 

 

I'm willing to give Amanda a chance and to just judge her on her dancing/personality on what's presented on the show. I feel like she could be middle of the road or decent, but she could also be better or worse than I expect as well. 

 

Krishnan is really such an unexpected name/kind of celeb for the show, as he seems like quite the serious journalist. But it'll be nice to see him having fun here. I did read he has a heart condition or something medical, so I do worry for him here. Not expecting him to be good but hopefully he'll have fun.

 

Eddie seems like one of the lesser-known stars announced so far (from what I've been reading), but he seems like he'll be fun and up for a good time. I feel like he could be a wildcard of being meh/not so good or he could be an unexpected surprise contender. I feel like he could be one of those that could have that really fun/entertaining/good Latin dance in his run.

 

It's also interesting to see how it's only been white women and minority men announced so far, lol. Though I'm sure that will change with the next set of reveals.

 

Excited to see the rest of the names to come!

[*Wallace]

TV presenter Angela Scanlon joins our line-up for 2023!

 

 

Angela Scanlon is an Irish Television presenter for the BBC and RTÉ. She hosts the hugely-successful interior design show Your Home Made Perfect on BBC Two. Angela is the only woman in the UK and Ireland to have their own Saturday night chat show with Ask Me Anything on RTÉ One.

 

Last year, Angela published her first book Joyrider, part empowering guide and part memoir, all about the importance of bringing gratitude into everyday life. Starting off as a stylist, she worked in fashion TV in Ireland, before beginning her UK career as the new presenter of Robot Wars and fronting documentaries for the BBC.

 

Angela said: “I’m terrified, I’m excited and I have so many questions. Will they make me tan? How itchy are sequins?! Do they do flesh coloured sports bras? Well - there’s only one way to find out, right!? Now I’m panicking a bit… but also secretly thrilled about the prospect of all that glitter. Let’s go!”

 

The news was revealed this morning on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast show. 

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/b68c8e5c-bf12-4d41-b106-2598c927db57

[*Wallace]

Zara McDermott is the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly 2023!

 

 

Zara McDermott is a broadcaster and content creator, she was a government policy advisor, working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Department of Education before appearing on Love Island in 2018.

 

One of Zara’s biggest passions is making documentaries that inspire conversation and educate young people on hard hitting issues, she has fronted five successful BBC films so far: Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Disordered Eating, and Gaia: A Death on Dancing Ledge. Her other broadcasting work includes presenting the entertainment show Love In The Flesh on BBC Three.

 

Zara’s work for young people has been recognised on several occasions; she was invited to Clarence House by the Duchess of Cornwall and Refuge charity and worked with the Duchess on a visit to a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre). Alongside this, she has worked with the government and the Home Office on several campaigns to end violence against women and girls, most notably fronting a campaign that changed the law for victims of digital abuse. Zara is also an ambassador for the ‘Shaping Us’ campaign for the Centre of Early Childhood, which was launched by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.

 

Zara McDermott said: “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. I even remember the first ever series, and being mesmerised by all the beautiful dresses! I can’t wait to throw myself into this experience and start training. It’s going to be incredible.”

 

The news was revealed this afternoon on Going Home with Vick and Jordan on BBC Radio 1.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/4ac80460-29db-4471-88b4-7448c56c7d49

[*Lily]

I’m jumping the gun until we see the rest of the cast, but.. very good vibes about Angela S. I see her doing very well and being a favorite.

 

Excited for Zara! Truthfully I wasn’t really a fan during Love Island lol, and I’ve seen none of her documentaries, but credit to her for making a name for herself outside of reality TV. She’s a strong first Love Island pick. 

[*Lily]

On 8/6/2023 at 5:48 PM, *Wallace said:

It's also interesting to see how it's only been white women and minority men announced so far, lol. Though I'm sure that will change with the next set of reveals.

I had that same thought and it’s continued today!  The male side is looking nice and diverse so far so I’m hoping we’ll see that with the female lineup too.

[Ariel1989]

Amanda Abbington: age 51 / height 5’4”

Angela Rippon: age 78-79 / height 5’6”

Layton Williams: age 28-29 / height 5’10”

Krishnan Guru-Murthy: age 53 / height 5’10”

Eddie Kadi: age 40 / height around 5’10” (when pictured next to 5’7” Annaliese Dayes from Top Model when she’s in heels, they look the same height)

Angela Scanlon: age 39 / height 5’6”

Zara McDermott: age 26 / height 5’7”

 

Johannes: 6’3”

Kai: 6’2”

Carlos: around 6’0” (he looked close to Johannes’ height side by side)

Graziano: 6’0”

Vito: 5’11”

Nikita: 5’11”

Giovanni: 5’10”

Luba: 5’9”

Neil: 5’9”

Nadiya: 5’8”

Gorka: 5’8”

Nancy: 5’6”

Lauren: 5’6”

Karen: 5’5”

Katya: 5’5”

Michelle: 5’5”

Dianne: 5’5” (maybe shorter)

Jowita: 5’0”

 

My predictions:

Amanda & Gorka: she’s the right height for him, might change if a shorter woman is cast but so far can’t see her with any of the other shorter pros unless she’s with Neil as a guaranteed early exit so that he isn’t away from his fiancée Chyna and their upcoming baby girl for too many hours in the day (Chyna appears to be due in late September according to her IG); also can’t see Gio with a non-contender after Richie last year and the others might be too tall.  

 

Angela R. & Vito: seems like a good change of pace for Vito after a talented and bubbly young partner like Fleur,  he seems like a nice enough guy who can adapt to a limited and mature lady; again, can’t see Gio with a non-contender.  

 

Layton & Graziano: initially thought Nikita but can see Graz getting the same-sex partnership after being rumored for it in 2021 and also getting a ringer after his good runs with Judi and Kym; it might depend on if Layton wants to lead or follow or do both with his partner, if he wants to share the roles like John & Johannes did then he’ll get someone close to his height, if he wants to just follow then maybe Kai (I don’t think Johannes is an option since he’s already had a male partner).  

Krishnan & Dianne: he’s on the shorter side and I can’t see Dianne getting a contender again after going far with Tyler last year.  Jowita is another possibility given that she won last year but somehow I see Krishnan more with Dianne.  
 

Eddie & Nancy: I kind of flip-flop with Nancy or Karen.  Eddie being a comedian seems like a typical Karen partner but he apparently has some rhythm according to certain celebs so he could be with Nancy who has been quite lucky with her partners, if he isn’t very good then he’ll be her first duffer and she’s due for one after consecutive semifinals with Rhys and Will.  
 

Angela S. & Kai: she seems like a pre-series fan favorite who will be popular with the public a la Helen Skelton; he’s had a contender in AJ and duffer in Kaye so he deserves someone more in the middle with potential to become a front-runner.  
 

Zara & Carlos: I was initially thinking Kai but given his and Carlos’ partners last year, I think Kai will be given someone with a little more of a chance.  The Love Island fanbase hasn’t really turned out for their people (especially women) on competition shows and reality tv personalities haven’t really been popular on Strictly; Mark Wright was in numerous dance-offs and lucked out in making the Final after escaping the Quarterfinal dance-off against Pixie/Simon and having stronger dances than Jake in the Semifinal.  Jamie Laing was also dragged through several dance-offs and barely made the Final over Ranvir.  Zara has been establishing herself outside of Love Island so hopefully she does better with the public if she’s a good dancer.  

[*Wallace]

2 more new reveals today!

 

Waterloo Road's Adam Thomas joins our Strictly line-up!

 

 

Adam Thomas is an actor and TV presenter. Adam is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale, in which he won a TV Choice award for Best Soap Newcomer. Recently he reprised his role as Donte Charles in BBC One’s school based drama Waterloo Road.

 

Adam appeared in ITV’s I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2016, and went on to co-host the spin-off–I’m a Celebrity: Extra Camp.

 

In 2020 Adam teamed up with his brothers Ryan and Scott for six-part ITV travel series Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai where they took their late father back to Mumbai to trace their heritage and long lost relatives, and to see for the first time the country where the brothers descended from. He also co-hosts popular podcast series Mancs on the Mic, alongside his brothers.

 

Adam said: "I am so excited to be joining the cast of this years' Strictly Come Dancing. I've been such a big fan of the show for years, I can't believe I'm actually doing it! 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!"

 

The news was revealed this morning on The Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East, James & Matt. 

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/4d8c27b6-cd03-4bd4-a834-332b80f46beb

[*Wallace]

Presenter Nikita Kanda is our ninth celebrity for Strictly 2023!

 

 

Nikita Kanda is a radio host and TV presenter, best known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show.

 

Nikita has interviewed everyone from Killing Eve star Sandra Oh, Bridgerton actors Kate Sharma and Charithra Chandran, to Marvel actress Awkwafina and global pop star Nick Jonas. Recently nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards, Nikita has also fronted regular reports on BBC One’s The One Show on a range of topics from the rise of cashless businesses to government support for female sport.

 

Nikita Kanda said: “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!”

 

The news was revealed this morning on BBC Asian Network Breakfast on Nikita's Breakfast show. 

 

Link:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/f1b75c3e-1d0f-4a30-a491-d0817e0ba66d

[*Wallace]

19 hours ago, *Lily said:

I had that same thought and it’s continued today!  The male side is looking nice and diverse so far so I’m hoping we’ll see that with the female lineup too.

LOL It did.  haha at least we finally got a minority female revealed today.  

 

 

Looking forward to all of the names that have been revealed yesterday and today. If they're good, I can see them all being all amongst my faves so wishing the best for them!

[jarmon]

Nikita Kanda is gorgeous. Stanning already. 

[*Lily]

Love Strictly's approach to casting. People love to complain about some of the obscure picks but then you get people like Hamza etc. who turn out to be revelations and big crowd favorites.

I didn't know Nikita but instantly really loving what I see of her and can see her being one of my favorites. Similar to Eddie. Love that they're pulling from different areas and the diversity - love seeing the hosts of BBC's Asian Network and Afrobeats shows getting this platform!

 

Lol I honestly did not expect Adam. I know he got rumoured but I feel like he gets rumoured year after year so I'm kinda shocked to see it happen. I suspect he'll be popular.

[*Wallace]

Oooh yeah I totally agree. I do love the obscure names casting that Strictly does. They do cast some whos? but it's really fun getting to learn them on the show, especially when they are really good or unexpectedly good.

 

Oh and haha I feel like Adam Thomas is one of those names that gets rumored but never apart of the actual show. So kinda cool seeing that now.

 

And lastly, it will be really disappointing if the producers don't pair up Nikita & Nikita together.  

[*Wallace]

Lots of reveals happened today so I'll post them one by one.  

 

 

Corrie actress Ellie Leach is the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly 2023!

 

 

Ellie is best known for portraying Faye Windass for 12 years on Coronation Street, nominated for multiple British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards for her role. Her hard hitting storylines included being pregnant at 13, discovering she was going through the menopause and reconnecting with the child she gave up - which led to her departing the cobbles earlier this year. Prior to Coronation Street Ellie appeared in independent movie ‘A Boy Called Dad’ and drama ‘Moving On’.

 

Ellie Leach said: “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!!!!”

 

The news was revealed this morning on BBC Breakfast.

 

Link:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/01b24952-1157-4312-8ae2-8f0aaba975d8

 

 

[*Wallace]

Paralympian Jody Cundy CBE joins our line-up!

 

 

Jody is a decorated World and Paralympic Champion, he has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics winning eight Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals across swimming and cycling events.

 

Jody has also competed in multiple World Championships, winning 23 world titles. The most recent win coming at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow this week .

 

After competing at Tokyo 2021, Jody became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games. In 2012 the Anglia Ruskin University made him and Honorary Doctor in Health Sciences, and a month later he was given an Honorary Master of Science degree from the University of Hertfordshire.

 

In 2009 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Disability sport, in 2017 this was upgraded to an OBE for his services to Swimming & Cycling & in 2022 he received a CBE for services to cycling. He currently holds the world record in the Flying 200m and the 1km Time Trial. He also holds 14 consecutive world titles in the MC4 Kilo Time Trial.

 

Jody said: “Excited to be welcomed into the Strictly family and throw myself head first into the world of ballroom dancing. So far away from what I’m used to, but 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!”

 

The news was revealed this morning (Wednesday 9th August) on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast show.

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/a02a0ad3-16c9-435e-9eeb-da34ba6a5ed3 
 

[*Wallace]

EastEnders Bobby Brazier is our twelfth celebrity contestant for Strictly 2023!

 

 

Bobby is a 20-year-old British Model, and Actor, best known for his role as Freddie Slater in BBC's flagship soap opera EastEnders.

 

In his modelling career Bobby has graced the runway for world renowned fashion house, Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week, sat front row alongside Lewis Hamilton at London Fashion Week and starred on the cover of acclaimed style magazine, ‘Man About Town’. Across socials, the Gen-Z star regularly shares life updates and shows off his spiritual side as a passionate advocate for positive mental health and well-being.

 

Bobby said: “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, it's going to be so much fun!”

 

The news was revealed this morning on BBC Breakfast. 

 

Link:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/977d4fcb-34ca-4d6d-a987-7dd14b4fb7e8

[*Lily]

Excited for Bobby! (also makes me feel old that Jade Goody's son is old enough to be on this show omg.)

 

Ellie seems lovely. Don't know Jody but look forward to getting to know him.
 

 

[*Wallace]

Two more reveals today!  

 

 

Casualty actor Nigel Harman joins our Strictly line-up for 2023

 

 

Nigel Harman is a TV, film, and theatre actor and director. Nigel’s acting career started when he was eight – working on multiple TV series, theatre shows, and the odd movie. Most recently joining BBC’s Casualty as Max Cristie, Holby ED's new Clinical Lead. Nigel was also in EastEnders playing Dennis Rickman and appeared in Downton Abbey. 

 

Among many stage credits Nigel has performed in Guys and Dolls in London’s West End and Shrek the Musical, which he then went on to direct for the UK tour. His film work includes roles in Blood Diamond, Telstar, and The Outsiders for ITV.

 

His role as Dennis Rickman won him multiple awards, including Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards. He also has an Olivier Award for his role in Shrek. When he’s not on our screens, Nigel enjoys teaching meditation – practicing and sharing mindfulness guidance.

 

Nigel said: "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!"

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/3fdd66e8-683f-46a2-b97e-8aa5c1774466

[*Wallace]

Annabel Croft is all set for for Strictly Come Dancing 2023!

 

 

Annabel is a former British Number One tennis player who at 15 years old was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years. She also represented Great Britain in prestigious Wightman and Federation Cup competitions, and continues to play an integral role in the coverage of Wimbledon each year and has done for many years.

 

Outside of tennis, Annabel has fronted entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Inceptor and has enjoyed a long lasting broadcast career covering all the major tennis events worldwide. Her TV and radio career includes presenting, commentating, and working as a highly respected pundit for all the major broadcasters including BBC, Sky, Amazon Prime, ITV and Discovery.

 

Annabel said: “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.”

 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/46cb380e-9bbe-4987-b329-3eb66f32c5c6

[*Lily]

Seeing that Annabel has been kinda problematic in the past too so oof.

 

Mixed feelings on this cast just as there were a couple names in the frame who I was excited for but I’m now thinking they might not make it on the cast  I heard Brenda Edwards’ name mentioned and I was particularly looking forward to her. Also Daniel Sturridge who I thought would have been a great choice for a younger sports star.

 

However, still excited for this cast! Pre-season faves currently are Layton, Zara, Nikita, Ellie, Bobby and Angela S.