BBC star 'signs up to Strictly Come Dancing' as first three celebrities unveiled

04 August 2023 , 19:50

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BBC star 'signs up to Strictly Come Dancing' as first three celebrities unveiled

Owain Wyn Evans has reportedly signed up to show off his moves on Strictly Come Dancing 2023. It comes as the first three celebrities, Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon and Layton Williams, were announced and unveiled to delighted BBC viewers on Friday night during The One Show.

The Welsh weather presenter, 39, landed his own show on Radio 2 last year after taking over from Vanessa Feltz, 61, who left Radio 2 in August 2022 after nearly 20 years behind the mic. And now, Owain will reportedly be swapping the airwaves for the dancefloor as he will apparently be joining the 2023 line-up.

There have been multiple rumours about who might be heading for the BBC One Latin and ballroom show this winter, with names so far including the likes of Jill Scott, Loose Women's Brenda Edwards and Coronation Street star Ellie Leach. Phillip Schofield, EastEnders stars Nigel Harman and Bobby Brazier as well as Emmerdale's Adam Thomas are also some of the names thrown into the mix.

Owain Wyn Evans has reportedly signed up to Strictly Come Dancing 2023 (BBC)

A source told The Sun: "Owain can’t wait to get started on Strictly. He’s a huge fan of the show and has a genuine interest in dancing, despite being a novice. Owain appreciates he’ll have it tougher than most, given he’ll continue his daily radio hosting duties, but he’s up for the challenge." Mirror has contacted BBC for comment.

There have been some big changes on Strictly – including its sister show, It Takes Two, with Rylan Clark having departed the role as presenter. Fleur East – who was hugely popular as she took part in the show last year – has taken on the role and will be hosting alongside Janette Manrara.

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Speaking about her new job, she excitedly shared: "I couldn't believe it, I still can't believe it in some ways. With Rylan gone, I have some big boots to fill. It's a lot of relief because the stress is unreal. But, at the same time because I'm such a huge fan of the show, I'm just so excited that I get to be in and see all the exclusives before anyone else."

Rylan stepped down earlier this year, releasing an emotional statement to confirm he was leaving the BBC Two show. He said: "After four fantastic years it's time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two. I've had the best time hosting alongside Janette and Zoe and I can't thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show.

"I've been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me. The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me. Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart... and my dancing feet."

While the spin-off's presenters are seeing a shakeup, the main show will see Tess Day and Claudia Winkleman make a return as the epic co-hosts of the Saturday live shows and Sunday results.

This year, the judging line-up is also reported to be remaining the same as it's been claimed Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke have all agreed to return to the panel to give their verdicts on the celebrity's attempts at a Tango, Paso Doble and other dances.

Olivia Wheeler