Channel 4‘s news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy is the latest newsreader to take to the ballroom on Strictly Come Dancing.
In series 21, the broadcaster, 53, will be competing alongside professional partner Lauren Oakley, after turning down previous requests to take part.
Despite being the face of Channel 4’s news coverage now, Krishnan actually began his journalism career with the BBC.
Find out everything else you need to know about him below…
Finally: Krishnan Guru-Murthy is finally taking part in Strictly Come Dancing after previous offers (pictured with dance partner Lauren Oakley)
Anchor: The new dancer is the face of Channel 4 News, after starting his career at the BBC
Who is Krishnan Guru-Murthy?
Krishnan Guru-Murthy is a British journalist who is best known as the lead presenter of Channel 4 News.
He also presents Unreported World, a foreign-affairs documentary series that explores some of the most challenging issues facing the world today.
He graduated from Hertford College, Oxford, with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
The journalist has been working in the media industry since he was 18 years old, starting with the BBC’s discussion programme Open To Question and the youth current-affairs programme Reportage.
He has also hosted various shows and documentaries such as The Operation: Surgery Live, The Event – How Racist are You?, and Number One.
Is Krishnan Guru-Murthy married?
Krishnan is married to Lisa Guru-Murthy, and they have two children together – a son and a daughter.
The pair met through mutual friend Tim Hicks, with Krishnan telling The Guardian: ‘Tim worked with me on a show and introduced me to Lisa, who worked with his wife, Pippa.’
They married in February 2005, in a ceremony which mixed Krishnan’s Indian heritage with Lisa’s English background.
Krishnan admitted his wife was ‘appalled and embarrassed’ about his Strictly debut.
Careful: The newsreader is having to tailor his practice on account of a genetic heart condition
What is Krishnan Guru-Murthy’s heart condition?
Krishnan has spoken about how a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is preventing him from training for Strictly how he otherwise would.
The condition will inhibit his ability to practice as hard and intensely as other celebrities, especially in dances that tend to raise the heart rate.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick and stiff, making it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body, and Krishnan revealed that it led to the death of two of his cousins.
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.’
