Strictly Come Dancing might be on a break right now, but we're already very excited for the show's return later this year. The 2023 series will see another group of celebrity contestants pair up with dancing pros to learn how to dance – but who is rumoured to be taking part this year? Find out here…
Sophie Morgan
TV presenter Sophie will reportedly be the first wheelchair user contestant to take part in the competition. Although she has yet to confirm the news, she did comment on a headline for The Sun which read: "Cha Cha Chair," adding: "First wheelchair contestant". She replied: "CHA, CHA, CHAIR….’ is this actually for real? @TheSun we need to have a word. I am NOT a wheelchair. I am a PERSON who uses a wheelchair."
WATCH: Sophie opened up about what she'd tell her younger self before her accident
Nigel Harman
Last week, MailOnline reported that soap star and former Downton Abbey actor Nigel Harman had signed up to take part this year. Judging by the credits he has to his name, we think he'd be a great contender for the 2023 competition. In addition to starring in TV shows, he's also recently enjoyed a career in the West End starring in shows such as Guys and Dolls and Shrek the Musical.
© Jack HallAngela Scanlon
We love Angela Scanlon on shows such as The One Show and Your Home Made Perfect, and we think she would be a brilliant asset to the Strictly class of 2023! Although it's not been confirmed, there have been reports that the BBC is thrilled to have her on board and that she would be a firm favourite to go far in the competition. How exciting!
© Mike MarslandEvery Strictly Come Dancing winner so far
- 2004: Natisha Kaplinsky (partner Brendan Cole)
- 2004: Jill Halfpenny (partner Darren Bennett)
- 2005: Darren Gough (partner Lilia Kopylova)
- 2006: Mark Ramprakash (partner Karen Hardy)
- 2007: Alesha Dixon (partner Matthew Cutler)
- 2008: Tom Chambers (partner Camilla Dallerup)
- 2009: Chris Hollins (partner Ola Jordan)
- 2010: Kara Tointon (partner Artem Chigvintsev)
- 2011: Harry Judd (partner Aliona Vilani)
- 2012: Louis Smith (partner Flavia Cacace)
- 2013: Abbey Clancy (partner Aljaž Škorjanec)
- 2014: Caroline Flack (partner Pasha Kovalev)
- 2015: Jay McGuiness (partner Aliona Vilani)
- 2016: Ore Oduba (partner Joanne Clifton)
- 2017: Joe McFadden (partner Katya Jones)
- 2018: Stacey Dooley (partner Kevin Clifton)
- 2019: Kelvin Fletcher (partner Oti Mabuse)
- 2020: Bill Bailey (partner Oti Mabuse)
- 2021: Rose Ayling-Ellis (partner Giovanni Pernice)
- 2022: Hamza Yassin (partner Jowita Przystał)
- 2023: Ellie Leach (partner Vito Coppola)
Jill Scott
Could Jill Scott be eyeing up the Glitterball trophy after being crowned Queen of the Jungle in I'm a Celebrity last year? We certainly hope so. The football player and all-round legend is rumoured to be gearing up to don some sequins and learn some sultry Latin moves. We're pretty sure there's nothing Jill can't do, so bring it on!
© Karwai TangAde Adepitan
We love how inclusive Strictly is and reports state that the BBC is very keen to bring Ade Adepitan, TV presenter and Wheelchair Basketball player, on board. He's an adored figure on the television, so his addition to the cast of Strictly this year will no doubt go down a treat if the rumours are true.
© Danny Lawson - PA ImagesRylan
The man knows Strictly very well, so this would make sense, right? After stepping down as host of It Takes Two earlier this year, Rylan suddenly has a slightly lighter schedule when it comes to Strictly this year, does this mean he's eyeing up a role as contestant? We're keeping our fingers crossed.
© BBCAmy Nuttall
According to the Mirror, Amy is currently in talks to join Strictly 2023. The Downton Abbey star recently split from her partner, fellow actor Andrew Buchan, and a source told the publication that an appearance on Strictly would be a fresh start for the 40-year-old.
Emma and Matt Willis
In an unusual move for Strictly, it has been reported that bosses are keen to have their very first celebrity husband and wife to compete against each other on the show since Gabby and Kenny Logan in series four! The pair were originally reported to be involved ahead of the 2022 show, but weren't able to make it work due to schedule conflicts. Perhaps 2023 is their year!
Gino D'Acampo
The This Morning star has been a staple on every predictions list since the show began – and this year is no different! The chef and restauranteur is at the top of our list for taking part in the show – particularly following the recent news that he won't be taking part in the next Road Trip series!
Peter Crouch
Could Peter be the tallest Strictly contestant ever? The former footballer pro is tipped to be taking part in the competition – and at 6ft 7in, he'll need one of the taller dancing pros to partner up with!
Steph McGovern
Steph previously opened up about her decision not to take part in the show, explaining back in August 2022: "It’s just not the right time at the moment. I've got my show five days a week so I'd have to try and train every evening, and it wouldn't be fair on my little girl. She's so young, and I don’t want to miss anything." Now that her little girl is older, could this be Steph's year?
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