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Eddie Kadi is a British-Congolese comedian, radio presenter and actor who is taking part in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing.
In the show he is partnered with Karen Hauer, who has previously finished second with Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing.
So, who is Eddie Kadi? And what radio and TV shows has he been on?
Read on to find out.
First? Eddie Kadi is coupled up with Karen Hauer on series 21 of Strictly Come Dancing, with the professional yet to win a series
Funnyman: Eddie became the first black British solo comedian to sell out London’s IndigO2 in 2009
Who is Eddie Kadi?
Eddie Kadi was born in 1983 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
At the age of eight, he moved to south-west London with his family.
Eddie attended school in Fulham before graduating with a degree in Media Technology from Kingston University.
He started his comedy career in 2005 and soon became a regular on the comedy circuit, winning the Black Entertainment Comedy Awards for Best Comedy Newcomer in 2006.
In 2009, Eddie became the first black British solo comedian to sell out London’s IndigO2 and then sold out London’s O2 Arena the following year.
He has since performed around the world with the likes of hip hop star Lauryn Hill and US rapper Nas.
What radio station is Eddie Kadi on?
The comedian has a regular slot on BBC Radio 1Xtra, where he hosts the Official UK Afrobeats Charts Show every Sunday at 3pm – and also conducts interviews with artists and celebrities.
Elsewhere on BBC Radio, he has been a regular contributor to 5 Live’s sports comedy panel show Fighting Talk, where he shares his opinions and quips on various topics.
Kadi described Strictly as the “scariest thing” he’s done.
He said: “I love dancing, right? And as a Congolese, as I’ve said it many times, like, we dance every opportunity we get.
“But then you realise you’re not really dancing, you’re just wiggling your bum. And I’ve got these illegal hips – they just don’t listen to anybody! But I’m looking forward to learning.”
Multitalented: As well as being a successful comedian, Eddie has forged a career which also puts him on the small screen as well as radio
Which TV shows has Eddie Kadi been in?
Eddie has been in several TV shows, both as a comedian and an actor.
He is a team captain on ITV’s comedy panel show Sorry, I Didn’t Know, but is possibly better known for appearing in 2011 comedy film Anuvahood.
He also voiced a zebra in CBeebies’ animated Tinga Tinga Tales series in 2011.
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-Murthy
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.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘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.’
