Strictly Come Dancing has returned for its 21st series.
The long-running BBC show features 15 celebrity contestants competing for the coveted Strictly glitterball.
Among them is actor Adam Thomas, who has appeared in a number of popular British soaps.
So, who exactly is he? Which shows has he appeared in? And is he married?
Read on for everything you need to know about the new Strictly contestant.
Glitterball: Adam Thomas pictured with his professional dance partner for the series, Luba Mushtuk
Star of the soaps: Thomas is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV show Emmerdale
Who is Adam Thomas?
Adam Thomas, 35, was born in Manchester and began his television career in 2002 with a guest appearance on the BBC daytime soap Doctors.
He is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV show Emmerdale.
His twin brother is Scott Thomas, who appeared in Love Island in 2016, while his younger brother is Ryan Thomas, who played Jason Grimshaw in Coronation Street.
Adam is of English, Indian and Caribbean heritage.
In 2020, he joined his two brothers for six-part ITV travel series Absolutely India: Mancs In Mumbai where they took their father, Dougie, back there to trace their heritage and long-lost relatives.
What shows has Adam Thomas been in?
Adam rose to fame in 2006 when he joined the cast of the BBC One school-based drama series Waterloo Road as Donte Charles, a role he played until 2009.
He left the show after three years – but would go on to reprise his part in early 2023.
From 2009 to 2018, he starred in Emmerdale, in which he played the loveable farm boy Barton.
Adam has also appeared on ITV gameshow All Star Family Fortunes, alongside his brother Ryan, in 2008.
Showtime: Thomas has also had roles in musical theatre and made his stage debut in 2018 when he appeared as The Hollywood Producer in Nativity! The Musical in Liverpool
In 2016, Thomas finished third in that year’s edition of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
He has also had roles in musical theatre and made his stage debut in 2018 when he appeared as The Hollywood Producer in Nativity! The Musical in Liverpool.
In Strictly, Thomas partners with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk.
Is Adam Thomas married?
Adam Thomas married Caroline Daly, a dance teacher, in 2017. Indeed, his wife’s dance expertise could help him in his quest to win Strictly.
They have two children together – a son named Teddy, born in 2014, and a daughter named Elsie-Rose, born in 2018.
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.’
