EXCLUSIVE: The countdown for this year's Strictly Come Dancing has officially begun, and former EastEnders star Nigel Harman is preparing to take to the dancefloor.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova is reportedly 'seething' after being left with no celebrity contestant as the 2023 series…

Speaking ahead of Saturday's launch show, the EastEnders star, 20, told MailOnline that he's been reminding the cast to practice their stretching as part of their training.

For years, alumni of the ITV2 show have been overlooked by BBC bosses, but Zara has joined this year's lineup after being praised for her documentary work on the channel.

The veteran broadcaster, 53, told MailOnline that after a 'very very grim period' in news he was looking for some 'pure joy in his life,' and agreed to the show after turning it down in the past.

The former tennis star, 57, told MailOnline that she's been 'very stiff' getting out of bed in the mornings after beginning preparations for the launch show on Saturday.

Les Dennis is excited to begin competing in Strictly Come Dancing 2023, but his wife Claire had a surprising reaction when he shared the news with her.

The EastEnders actor may have a few dance moves up his sleeve.

Abbington's Strictly journey has already been fraught with some controversy.

The young actor has been tipped to take home the Glitterball this year.

Soap stars Toby-Alexander Smith and Amy Walsh - who met in the audience of Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 - have officially tied the knot after three years of dating

The Freddie Slater actor is taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

"It was an immediate 'yes' this time."

"I’ll be back."

Zara McDermott is the first ever Love Island star to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing and the reality-star-turned-documentary-presenter can't wait to get on the dance floor

Layton Williams is one of 15 celebrities taking part in hit BBC One series Strictly Come Dancing this year

Krishnan Guru-Murthy has opened up about his decision to take part in Strictly Come Dancing this 2023 after years of turning down the hit BBC One dance show

EXCLUSIVE: Annabel Croft, who is one of the stars set to take part in the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing, spoke to Express.co.uk and other publications about her "scary" rehearsal experience so far.