Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up from the winner to who left early

Strictly Come Dancing has been a dazzling watch so far and we have loved seeing following the celebrities' dance journeys with their professional partners.

Here is everything you need to know about the stars from the 2023 line-up. We take a look at all the stars from the Strictly series, including who was crowned the champion, who had to leave the show early and more...

Strictly Come Dancing 2023 lineup

Strictly winner

Ellie Leach

Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, 22, impressed audiences at home as she was named the Strictly winner of 2023 with her partner Vito Coppolla. The actor is known for playing Faye Windass on the soap for which she has been nominated for multiple British Soap Awards over her 13 years in the role.

The Strictly finalists

Bobby Brazier

EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier made the final alongside his professional dancer Dianne Buswell. The model turned EastEnders star, 20, is the son of TV presenter Jeff Brazier and the late Big Brother star Jade Goody.

In a statement about his appearance on the dance show, Brazier 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!"

Layton Williams

Musical actor Layton Williams, 29, who is best known for playing the title role in Everyone's Talking About Jamie, was fabulous on Strictly and competed in the final. The star danced alongside his professional dance partner Nikita Kuzmin.

With a background in musical theatre, the actor has also played a young Michael Jackson in Thriller, and starred in Billy Elliot the musical. Elsewhere he has appeared on shows like Bad Education and I Hate Suzie.

Stars who were eliminated

Annabel Croft

Former professional tennis play and British number one Annabel Croft, 57, was eliminated in the semi-final, narrowly missing out on the Strictly final. Professional dancer Johannes Radebe taught the star how to dance.

At 19 years old, Croft became the youngest British player to play at Wimbledon. Elsewhere she helped represent Great Britain at the Wightman and Federation Cup tournaments, and has contributed to coverage at Wimbledon.

In a statement, Croft said of joining the show: "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."

Nigel Harman

Nigel Harman, 49, had to bow out of the competition when he suffered an injury shortly before the quarter-finals shows - meaning there was no dance off.

He rose to fame as Dennis Rickman in EastEnders, has starred in Downton Abbey and is currently playing Dr Max Christie in Casualty. Harman has a musical theatre background, starring as Simon Cowell in The X Factor musical and Lord Farquaad in Shrek, and so he has a few dance moves up his sleeve.

In a statement he 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!" He was taught to dance by professional partner Katya Jones.

Angela Scanlan

Strictly professional Carlos Gu took former Robot War co-host and Angela Scanlon, 39, under his wings for the competition but they were eliminated from the competition before the quarter-finals.

Alex Jones, Harry Judd, Ore Oduba and Zoe Ball are just some of The One Show presenters who have done Strictly, and Scanlan is the latest guest presenter to do so. The mother-of-two competed in Irish dancing contests as a child.

In a statement, she 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!"

Angela Rippon (eliminated eighth)

At 78, journalist Angela Rippon was the oldest contestant to compete in the show's history but she's determined to prove age was just a number. Alongside Kai Widdrington, she has been taking to the dancefloor with confidence but she was eliminated in Blackpool.

Rippon is best known for hosting Nine O'Clock News, but she also has a history with the programme as she presented the original version of the dance show, Come Dancing, from 1988 to 1991.

Read more: All the winners and finalists of Strictly

She also caused quite a storm by dancing on The Morecambe & Wise Christmas special in 1976 with Eric and Ernie to the tune of A You’re Adorable (The Alphabet Song).

She was confirmed to be appearing on the show on Friday, 4 August, but according to a report from the Mail on Sunday prior to the announcement it was said that Rippon was in talks with Strictly bosses for some time and had recently come to an agreement.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy (eliminated seventh)

Channel 4 news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy put away his dancing shoes after being eliminated in Strictly Come Dancing with his partner Lauren Oakley.

The 53-year-old has said Strictly brought so much joy into his life after a serious news career and he said he was "heartbroken" to be leaving. The majority of the judges chose to save Angela Rippon in the dance off. Unfortunately he just missed out on Strictly's week at the Blackpool's iconic Tower Ballroom.

Adam Thomas (eliminated 6th)

Adam Thomas was left Strictly Come Dancing after his luck had run out when he faced the second week in the dance off alongside his partner Luba Mushtuk.

The judges chose to save Angela Rippon over the actor this time round. He had been saved the week before when he went up against Zara McDermott in Halloween week. The actor and presenter is known for his work as Adam Barton on Emmerdale, and his appearances on shows like Waterloo Road and the 2016 edition of I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

Read more: Does dancing experience give Strictly stars an advantage?

His appearance on the show was announced on The Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Strictly alum Fleur East, and he said in a statement: "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!"

Zara McDermott (eliminated 5th)

Documentary maker Zara McDermott was the first Love Island star to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. She was eliminated during the spooky Halloween special and had been dancing with Graziano Di Prima.

During her time on the show, the TV bombshell had made great improvements and shown she had been able to master the tricky art of lifts. The TV personality came into the public eye when she appeared on the ITV reality show in 2018, and she has since gone on to helm hard-hitting documentaries like Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, and Disordered Eating.

In a statement ahead of the show, she 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."

Amanda Abbington - withdrew

Amanda Abbington quit Strictly and she laid bare her "personal reasons" for leaving the competition early. She wrote on Instagram: "It is with deepest regret that I had to leave Strictly. I did not come to this decision easily or lightly but for personal reasons I am unable to continue. It was an absolute joy working with my fellow contestants, they are a beautiful, hardworking and talented group of people who I love and who I will miss seeing every Friday and Saturday and competing alongside.

"I want to thank the incredible Production team and everyone on Strictly who looked after me and who are so kind and caring. It’s a wonderful bunch of people and I’ll miss all of them. I’m so sad that I am unable to go any further. Thank you to everyone who voted and who sent wonderful messages and inspiring support. You are all amazing. Truly. Thank you. xxx."

The TV sensation had been dancing with Giovanni Pernice and had won a series of fans with her elegant dancing skills. She isn't the only star to drop out over the years.

During It Takes Two, Fleur East announced the news on behalf of a Strictly spokesperson: "Amanda Abbington is unable to continue in Strictly Come Dancing and has decided to withdraw from the competition. The show wishes her all the best for the future." The actor has wanted to compete for the Glitter Ball trophy for many years. She said in 2010: "The only thing I’d love to do is Strictly Come Dancing. I love the idea of learning something."

Eddie Kadi (eliminated 4th)

Stand-up comedian Eddie Kadi had been dancing with Karen Hauer on Strictly before being eliminated fourth. He is best known for doing stand-up and he is also known as a radio presenter. Kadi announced the news on his show, The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi, on BBC Radio 1Xtra on Sunday 6 August.

In a statement, he shared: "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."

Jody Cundy (eliminated 3rd)

Paralympic champion Jody Cundy was the third celebrity contestant to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing after being in the dance off with his partner Jowita Przystal. Cundy has represented Great Britain at seven Paralympic games and has won eight gold, one silver and three bronze medals in swimming and cycling events.

Ahead of the series, he 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!"

Nikita Kanda (eliminated 2nd)

Presenter and radio host Nikita Kanda was the second person to be booted off Strictly Come Dancing. She had been dancing with Gorka Marquez. Kanda is best known for her work in radio, particularly her work on the BBC Asian Network's Breakfast Show, and she has also previously appeared on BBC's The One Show.

In a statement before her appearance, 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!”

Les Dennis (eliminated 1st)

Les Dennis has had a long and varied career in showbiz and has worked as a comedian and actor but he was the first person to face eviction on Strictly Come Dancing this year. He had been partnered with professional Nancy Xu.

Dennis is known for his roles in shows like Extras, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders, and he also hosted Family Fortunes for 16 years. About taking part on Strictly, he previously said: "I'm thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait."

Watch: Susanna Reid mourns late Strictly judge Len Goodman on what would have been his 75th birthday