Strictly season is upon us as the hit BBC show returns for a new series, with 15 celebrity contestants vying to become ruler of the ballroom.
Radio presenter Nikita Kanda is one of the participants on this year’s show.
The star is best known for hosting the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show an has previously fronted the Saturday afternoon show.
But who exactly is Nikita Kanda? What has she said about joining Strictly Come Dancing?
Read on below for everything you need to know about Nikita Kanda.
Glamorous: Nikita Kanda pictured with her professional dance partner Gorka Marquez
Presenter: Kanda, 28, is known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show, previously having presented the Saturday afternoon show
Who is Nikita Kanda?
Nikita Kanda was born in 1995 in Birmingham and is of Indian descent.
Nikita, 28, is known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show, previously having presented the Saturday afternoon show.
Her role as a presenter has seen her interview a number of household names, including Killing Eve star Sandra Oh, Bridgerton actors Kate Sharma and Charithra Chandran, Marvel actor Awkwafina and singer Nick Jonas.
Prior to working for the BBC Asian Network, Kanda worked on Hindi-language channel Zee TV and presented the drivetime show on Asian Star 101.6FM.
She has also fronted regular reports on BBC One’s The One Show on a variety of subjects, from government support for female sport to the rise of cashless businesses.
What has Nikita Kanda said about joining Strictly?
Ecstatic: Kanda has said it is a ‘dream come true’ for her to appear on Strictly Come Dancing
Speaking about her upcoming appearance on Strictly, Nikita 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!’
Aside from presenting, Nikita has appeared in various West End theatre productions including The Wiz, Bugsy Malone, Annie and Pocahontas.
She also appeared as one of the thirty women on the final series of the ITV dating show Take Me Out in 2019.
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2023 start?
This year’s celebrities will be paired with their professional partners for the first time and the first live shows will begin on September 23.
The series, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, will run for 13 weeks and is set to conclude with the live final on December 16.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will all return to the judging panel when the show returns.
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.’
