Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Angela Scanlon is confirmed as the sixth star for new series of BBC ballroom dance contest
Angela Scanlon has been confirmed as the sixth celebrity taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Irish TV presenter, 39, was announced as the latest name for the series on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Monday morning.
Speaking with guest host Gaby Roslin, Angela admitted she is both ‘horrified and excied’ to take part in the beloved ballroom show.
Admitting she hasn’t kept the secret of her participation very well, Angela said: I’ve told a few people, I’ve been kind of grappling myself and hoping for a bit of feedback.
‘If you tell me a secret and it’s super guarded, you can be confident I’m not going to blab it but this, I was ready to burst. I’ve told 1700 of my closest friends.’
Signed up! Angela Scanlon has been confirmed as the sixth celebrity taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing
Contender: The Irish TV presenter, 39, was announced as the latest name for the series on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on Monday morning
The One Show host also revealed she has been in talks to take part in Strictly for years but had to delay her participation after becoming a mother to daughters Ruby, four, and 18-month-old Marnie.
She said: ‘It’s been in the ether for a few years and then I had a small child and it just felt right this year. I believe in feelings and timing and all those things.
‘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.’
Gaby Roslin, who was guest hosting Zoe’s show for the day, recalled how she first told Angela she should compete on Strictly back in 2016.
‘If only I’d started practicing then!’ she jokingly replied.
Angela told how she has sought advice from former Strictly contestants Ellie Taylor and Clara Amfo ahead of taking to the dancefloor.
She said: ‘[Ellie] said it’s intense, hardest thing she’s ever done and so thrilled she did it. Clara did it in 2020 and said it’s insane. She said lean heavily in which I intend to do.’
Angela is best known for presenting shows including Your Home Made Perfect and Your Garden Made Perfect on BBC Two.
She is also a regular stand-in presenter on The One Show and previously hosted Robot Wars alongside comedian Dara O’Briain.
Angela started her media career in Ireland, working as a stylist and journalist before moving into TV.
She appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch early in her career and also hosted London Fashion Weekend before landing a spot on The One Show.
Angela joins already confirmed contestants including journalist Angela Rippon, actress Amanda Abbington, actor Layton Williams, Channel 4 News presenter Krishan Guru-Murphy and comedian Eddie Kadi.
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-Murphy
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!’ and 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.