Nigel Harman and Annabel Croft are the latest celebrities confirmed for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Actor Nigel, 49, is known for his role as Dennis Rickman in EastEnders, which he played from 2003 to 2005.
More recently he has starred in Casualty and has also appeared in Downton Abbey and Hotel Babylon, alongside extensive theatre work.
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.
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!’
New recruit! Actor Nigel Harman is the latest celebrity confirmed for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing
Tennis legend: Annabel Croft is the fourteenth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly
The big news was unveiled by Christine Lampard on ITV’s Lorraine, with the actor admitting: ‘As the days have crept up to this moment I’ve been going what have I done? I’m excited to be out and proud now.’
‘I’ve just stepped onto a rollercoaster. I think I’m realising as time goes on I think I’m a better dancer than my body is telling me.’
‘We did a taster session with the pros and I was doing the cha cha cha. I looked up and it was like nothing I’d ever seen before, and not in a good way.’
As for the judges’ critique, Nigel confessed: ‘I think I’m in a bit of denial. People are gonna tell me what they think and people are gonna vote – that freaks me out.’
‘The judges are gonna be a different brand of torture – especially Craig.’
The actor has been taking advice from his Casualty co-star Charles Venn, who starred on Strictly in 2018.
‘Charles took me aside and went serious and said you’ve got to do cardio, cardio at the gym, cardio cardio. He’s really fit so I’m like oh god. And he said just be yourself.’
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.
Soap star: The star, 49, is known for his role as Dennis Rickman in EastEnders, which he played from 2003 to 2005
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.
The former tennis star, 57, has had a devastating time after her husband Mel Coleman passed away suddenly from cancer in May.
Annabel married former professional yachtsman Mel in 1992 and the pair – who enjoyed a healthy and active lifestyle – were left blindsided when Mel was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer after complaining of stomach pain.
He died eight weeks later at the age of 60.
She announced her husband’s death on May 26, saying in a statement: ‘My beloved husband Mel passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning after a short battle with cancer. My family and I are completely heartbroken and ask for privacy at this very sad time.’
Sports star: 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
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.’
The news was announced on the Virgin Radio Breakfast Show with Ricky Wilson.
Annabel told Ricky: ‘I am beyond excited. I’ve always loved this magical, magical show.’ She added: ‘I’m also a bit terrified at the same time!’
On Wednesday Bobby Brazier, Ellie Leach and Jody Cundy were confirmed.
Bobby is a 20-year-old model and actor, best known for his role as Freddie Slater in UK Soap Opera, EastEnders,
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.
Shocking news: The former tennis star, 57, was left devastated in May after her husband Mel Coleman passed away suddenly from cancer (pictured together in 2021)
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.
On Monday Love Island star Zara McDermott was the seventh celeb contestant confirmed.
In July MailOnline exclusively revealed that documentary maker Zara would become the first ever Love Island contestant to appear on the BBC show.
Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murphy Eddie Kadi and Angela Scanlon have also been confirmed the new series, which will kick off in September.
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!’ 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.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘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!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘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.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘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!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘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!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘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!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘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.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘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.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘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!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘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.’
