Adam Thomas announced for Strictly Come Dancing

Adam has joined the line-up!

Author: Alex RossPublished 8th Aug 2023
Last updated 8th Aug 2023

With names such as Angela Rippon, Layton Williams and Krishnan Guru-Murthy already confirmed for this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, yet another famous face has been unveiled, in the form of Adam Thomas!

Adam, who has starred in shows such as Waterloo Road and Emmerdale in the past, appeared via FaceTime on the Hits Radio Breakfast show alongside brand new It Takes Two presenter Fleur East, where he confirmed the exciting news.

Excitedly singing the Strictly theme tune, Adam said: "Everyone says that I can dance, but the only time they've ever seen me dance is when I'm drunk. And sober dancing and drunk dancing, completely two different things."

When asked about his 'signature move', Adam replied: "I can do the robot quite well", before nervously laughing.

He added: "I'm excited now, I just want to get going and get on the dancefloor."

34-year-old Adam, who is the younger brother of actor Ryan Thomas, is the eighth name confirmed for the 2023 series.

Check out all of the confirmed celebs for Strictly Come Dancing 2023:

Ellie Leach - WINNER

Age: 22
Known for: Coronation Street actress

Layton Williams - FINALIST

Age: 28
Known for: Actor/West End star

Bobby Brazier - FINALIST

Age: 20
Known for: EastEnders actor

Annabel Croft - ELIMINATED

Age: 57
Known for: Former professional tennis player

Nigel Harman - QUIT

Age: 49
Known for: Actor

Angela Rippon - ELIMINATED

Age: 78
Known for: Journalist/TV presenter

Amanda Abbington - QUIT

Age: 49
Known for: Actress

Angela Scanlon - ELIMINATED

Age: 39
Known for: Irish TV presenter

Krishan Guru-Murthy - ELIMINATED

Age: 53
Known for: Journalist/News reader

Adam Thomas - ELIMINATED

Age: 34
Known for: Actor

Zara McDermott - ELIMINATED

Age: 26
Known for: Former Love Island contestant and TV presenter

Eddie Kadi - ELIMINATED

Age: 40
Known for: Comedian/Radio DJ

Jody Cundy - ELIMINATED

Age: 45
Known for: Gold medallist Paralympian

Nikita Kanda - ELIMINATED

Age: Unknown
Known for: Radio DJ

Les Dennis - ELIMINATED

Age: 69
Known for: TV presenter, comedian and actor
Eliminated in Week Two

After a number of small appearances in shows such as Casualty and Doctors, Adam shot to fame when he landed the role of Donte Charles in BBC school drama Waterloo Road between 2006-2009.

Following on from that, Adam went on to portray the role of Adam Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale, appearing in 971 episodes before making the decision to leave in 2018.

Most recently, Adam reprised his role as Donte Charles in the remake of Waterloo Road, which hit our screens last year.

Adam Thomas in Waterloo Road

Meanwhile, with news of this year's line-up coming thick and fast, rumours are still rife as to which other celebs will join the show.

Check out all of the rumoured names for this year's Strictly:

Delta Goodrem

2026 is set to be a busy year for singer Delta Goodrem. As well as representing Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, reports are rife Delta has very nearly signed up for Strictly later in the year. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."

Josie Gibson

As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.


A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."

Stacey Solomon

Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.

Tom Parker Bowles

Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?

Dani Dyer

Reality star Dani Dyer was set to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days ahead of the first live show after fracturing her ankle in training. Dani has expressed her interest in returning, so could we see her in 2026?

More names are set to be announced in the coming days.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September.

Now read:

Strictly Come Dancing: All of the confirmed celebs taking part

Giovanni Pernice reveals nasty injury ahead of new series of Strictly

Holly Willoughby being 'lined-up' for hosting role on Strictly Come Dancing

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