Who’s favourite to compete in this year’s Strictly? The latest names

Strictly Come Dancing logo

Strictly is still a little way off, but the rumours are starting…(Picture: PA)

From Club Tropicana to England football club stars, the bookies have revealed who they’re betting on boogying for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC favourite returns every autumn and keeps viewers entertained as the cold, winter nights draw in.

Last year, wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin triumphed with partner Jowita Przystal and took home the Glitter Ball trophy.

But who could succeed him as Strictly champ? If the rumours are true, it won’t be any prominent ITV stars, who are reportedly banned from taking part.

But these names are top of the bookies lists…

Who could appear on Strictly Come Dancing 2023?

Ladbrokes have published the latest odds on who could be taking a cha-cha-chance at Strictly this year.

And the names include:

  • Layton Williams – 1/3
  • Nigel Harman – 6/4
  • Andrew Ridgeley – 2/1
  • Ade Adepitan – 5/2
  • Bobby Brazier – 3/1
  • Emma Willis – 7/2
  • Rochelle Humes – 9/2
  • Chris Gascoyne – 5/1
  • Helen Chamberlain – 5/1
  • Olivia Hawkins – 6/1
  • Tim Lovejoy – 6/1
  • Zara McDermott – 8/1
  • Thomas Skinner – 10/1
  • Jill Scott – 10/1
  • Nicola Sturgeon – 16/1.

Name’s ringing a bell? Let’s find out more about the rumoured stars.

Andrew Ridgeley

Andrew Ridgeley

Is the Jitterbug an actual ballroom dance? (Picture: Getty)

Often stuck being known as ‘the other one’ from Wham! – aka not George Michael – Andrew Ridgeley, 60, is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer and author.

He is one of the favourites to take part this year, so let’s hope he remembers those 80s moves.

He’s gone on record to say he’d be up for doing the show, too, so what are they waiting for? It’s time to go go…

Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon

The First Minister is one of the bookies favourites to take part (Picture: Getty)

Arguably the most unexpected name on the list, Nicola Sturgeon, 53, was the former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Politicians aren’t strangers to Strictly – who can forget the likes of Ann Widdicombe or Ed Balls strutting their stuff – but the former First Minister of Scotland might be an unlikely bet as she continues to face suspension from the party if found to be involved in charges of financial misconduct.

Last month, Sturgeon was arrested by police investigating allegations of financial misconduct within the SNP. She was questioned by detectives ‘as a suspect’ but was later released without charge, pending further inquiries, after voluntarily going to a police station.

Emma Willis

Could Emma swap hosting duties for heating up the dancefloor? (Picture: Getty)

The former Big Brother presenter, 47, is another favourite reportedly being considered.

In the past, she’s joked about not wanting her husband – Busted member Matt Willis – from doing the show as she’d get jealous.

Per the Express, Emma said in an interview:  ‘I’m a jealous person. If my husband is around a younger, good-looking woman, I’m like, “Stop looking at them!”’

Bobby Brazier

Bobby Brazier

EastEnders star Bobby could swap the square for the ballroom (Picture: Getty)

EastEnders actor – and son of the late Jade Goody – Bobby, 20, could be a viable contender since he’s become a popular feature on BBC’s soap this year.

Rochelle Humes

Will The Saturdays star dominate the dancefloor on Saturday nights?(Picture: Getty)

Another likely suspect is Rochelle Humes, 34 – who already has a big in at the BBC presenting The Hit List alongside husband Marvin Humes.

Rochelle could be a natural on the dancefloor, too, showing off her past experiences in groups S Club Juniors and The Saturdays.

Tim Lovejoy

Saturday night shaking a move, Sunday morning hosting Sunday Brunch? (Picture: Getty)

Sunday Brunch host Tim Lovejoy, 55, could swap whipping things up in the kitchen for stirring things up on the dancefloor.

Tim’s partner-in-crime on the show, chef Simon Rimmer, took part in the series in 2017 so he could give Tim some pointers (although he was eliminated fifth).

Helen Chamberlain

Helen Chamberlain

Helen Chamberlain could be reunited with her Soccer AM co-host – but this time as competitors (Picture: Getty)

Now this is interesting – from former besties to dancefloor rivals. Tim Lovejoy’s Soccer AM co-host, Helen Chamberlain, 56, is also being added to the bookies’ shortlist.

Nigel Harman

Nigel Harman is known for roles on EastEnders and Downton Abbey (Picture: Getty)

Famous for roles on the likes of EastEnders and Downton Abbey, Nigel Harman, 49, finds himself playing the baddie more often than not.

But will this villain prove to be a killer on the dancefloor? Bookies have him as one of the favourites to take part.

Jill Scott

Can this Lioness score with the Strictly judges? (Picture: Getty)

Former Lioness Jill Scott, 36, has proven her athleticism on the football pitch, but could she score with the judges when it comes to Pasodobles over penalties?

Ade Adepitan

Ade could be Strictly’s first wheelchair user to compete (Picture: Getty)

Adedoyin Olayiwola “Ade” Adepitan MBE, 50, is a television presenter and accomplished wheelchair basketball player.

Ade could be the first wheelchair user to take part on the show – and rumours that bosses wanted this representation hit the headlines earlier this year.

Olivia Hawkins

Olivia Hawkins

Olivia Hawkins is a reality star and actress (Picture: Getty)

Actress and Love Island star Olivia Hawkins, 28, is reportedly being eyed up for the new series.

Olivia was famously Michelle Keegan’s body double, but will she have what it takes to move her body the right way for the judges?

Chris Gascoyne

Coronation Street’s Chris Gascoyne could be swapping the cobbles for the competition (Picture: Getty)

Chris Gascoyne, 55, is best known for his role as Peter Barlow in the soap opera Coronation Street. Making his first appearance in December 2000 during a live, 50-minute episode for the show’s 40th anniversary, he has played the role for 23 years.

He recently quit the ITV soap, reportedly to pursue other roles, so Strictly could very much be on the cards.

Thomas Skinner

Thomas Skinner

Will the Apprentice star Fire up the dancefloor? (picture: Getty)

The Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner, 32, is another name thrown into the mix – and considering he’s shared he’d be keen to do Naked Attraction, signing up for Strictly seems like a very possible feat.

Layton Williams

Layton Williams

Layton Williams is known for his roles on the West End (Picture: Getty)

West End performer and Waterloo Road actor Layton Williams, 28, could take his stage moves to the Strictly ballroom.


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