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Presenter Nikita Kanda is our ninth celebrity for Strictly 2023!

Nikita Kanda is a radio host and TV presenter, best known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show.

 

Nikita has interviewed everyone from Killing Eve star Sandra Oh, Bridgerton actors Kate Sharma and Charithra Chandran, to Marvel actress Awkwafina and global pop star Nick Jonas. Recently nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards, Nikita has also fronted regular reports on BBC One’s The One Show on a range of topics from the rise of cashless businesses to government support for female sport.

Nikita Kanda 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!”

The news was revealed this morning on BBC Asian Network Breakfast on Nikita's Breakfast show. She joins Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermot and Adam Thomas in our line-up. Follow @bbcstrictly for all the latest announcements. 

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149 comments

  • Comment posted by Jantyfolessa, at 13:01 8 Aug 2023

    What an absolute gorgeous gem of a Strictly addition. Just loveliness!

  • Comment posted by deb, at 12:59 8 Aug 2023

    Never heard of her where are strictly getting these from I know they want to show different people and mix

    • Reply posted by strictly speaking, at 13:01 8 Aug 2023

      strictly speaking replied:
      She is a BBC radio presenter.
      Tyler West was from the radio last year. He was quite an able dancer in many areas despite perceived lack of name recognition

  • Comment posted by Suzanne, at 09:35 8 Aug 2023

    Fantastic !

    Not a follower of Asian Network but always enjoy having celebs from outside my regular orbit introduced.

    Hope she gets one of the regular pro's with their own fan base to counterbalance the "who?" brigade

    • Reply posted by redjimf, at 11:53 8 Aug 2023

      redjimf replied:
      I agree Suzanne, the pro the contestants get also contributes to the popularity of the couple… hopefully Nikita will get a fan favourite.

  • Comment posted by Mrs Sunshine, at 20:30 8 Aug 2023

    Good evening everyone and hope 2023 is blessed for you all ❤️ really looking forward to strictly come dancing this year as always. I have to admit not knowing many of this year's contestants which can be a good thing as it will make me unbiased 😁

    • Reply posted by flamingo, at 21:27 8 Aug 2023

      flamingo replied:
      Good to see you, do hope all’s well with you and Mr Sunshine. It does look like a good lineup, I think, can’t wait for it to start!

  • Comment posted by OddOder, at 10:42 8 Aug 2023

    Make that five, I don't know the Waterloo Road guy either. Maybe I should stay in more?

    • Reply posted by robin, at 11:52 8 Aug 2023

      robin replied:
      I thought he was on Emmerdale
      Maybe you need a remote

  • Comment posted by OddOder, at 10:42 8 Aug 2023

    Crikey, four in a row to discover this year! I wish them all well.

    • Reply posted by strictly speaking, at 12:07 8 Aug 2023

      strictly speaking replied:
      Looking to be a good mix of ages and various backgrounds so all viewers will know someone. I can never pick the winner from the line up though, that would be a talent worth a few in a bet. In recent years it has been people who not only dance well but touch or capture the audience in some way or make them laugh, maybe the comedian Eddie would be a bet or the last lad Adam or this young lady Nikita, she already looks strictly ready so glamorous

  • Comment posted by deb, at 15:04 8 Aug 2023

    Hoping Kai will get Angela Ripon he seen as tho he take care of her

    • Reply posted by strictly speaking, at 15:21 8 Aug 2023

      strictly speaking replied:
      I think Kai had the oldest contestant last year so I'm not sure, though I think Angela will probably do better than kaye

  • Comment posted by deb, at 15:11 8 Aug 2023

    Nice to see strictly blog back let hope the new series is as good as previous years looking forward to reading comments from old and new people so let the fun begin

  • Comment posted by deb, at 15:08 8 Aug 2023

    How many more is there to be announced before full line up confirmed I waiting for sport person and hopefully the Welsh weatherman Owen hope the channel 4 new presenter not going to be the joke act or gets mean comments because there one every year

  • Comment posted by Nicky91, at 14:09 8 Aug 2023

    some past alumni from the Asian Network include former strictly star Anita Rani, very popular countryfile presenter, and also Adil Ray whom went on to become a very popular actor, presenter, comedian

    i think Nikita has potential as well for a really great career, but now, can she dance only time will tell, her reaction would also literally be my reaction if i could take part on this show

    • Reply posted by strictly speaking, at 14:12 8 Aug 2023

      strictly speaking replied:
      I loved Anita she was fabulous. I don't remember adil Ray in the show but I think I know him now he hosts a game show

  • Comment posted by Willie Gallacher, at 15:22 8 Aug 2023

    I like it when the blog is a hive of activity and interest

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQetBjUHGT8

  • Comment posted by Nicky91, at 16:52 8 Aug 2023

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikita_Kanda

    her wikipedia article btw, some more info about her, she starred in some musical productions as well as having played in several short films

    • Reply posted by strictly speaking, at 16:55 8 Aug 2023

      strictly speaking replied:
      Shhh Nicky, don't say musicals or she'll be blacklisted as a pro by some of the strictly strictest !😄😉 just joking
      Thanks for info

  • Comment posted by robin, at 11:51 8 Aug 2023

    I have always been a super fan of Nikki and think she is a great addition to the team
    Hope her interviewing skills can switch to her feet
    The anticipation is building to a fantastic SCD this year

  • Comment posted by Careless whisper, at 20:37 8 Aug 2023

    What a lovely tribute it would be to Sinead O'Connor ,who was laid to rest today ,to have someone dance to "Nothing compares to You " .One of the all time greats imo .

    • Reply posted by flamingo, at 21:19 8 Aug 2023

      flamingo replied:
      That would be really lovely. She was a one off, RIP.

  • Comment posted by strictly speaking, at 17:04 8 Aug 2023

    The BBC is providing excellent coverage of the cycling world championships in Scotland. I saw some nice footage of the countryside from a race they were doing. And Chris hoy presenting. He seems like such a friendly good sport who would be good on strictly and very strong looking for a lift ( in the air not on the back of his bicycle) The only cyclist I can remember on strictly was Victoria Pendleton with Brendan. In 2012. Possibly others I forgot. I think Lauren Steadman did triathlon so that's a third on the bike too.

    • Reply posted by strictly speaking, at 17:20 8 Aug 2023

      strictly speaking replied:
      Going out to feed my birds. Would love to see some regulars back, would love another nature presenter on strictly. I think Michaela strachan has potential, but it would clash with autumn watch possibly too much and she lives in South Africa so that would be potentially too long from home. Until tomorrow to tweet again. I read we can now reclaim the idea of twittering as the certain company will be now known by one letter instead 😂 the blue birds are welcome in my garden anyway, little blue tits anyway🐦🐦

  • Comment posted by JamboStu, at 12:23 8 Aug 2023

    Wow! Incredible signing, I didn't think they could top Adam Thomas.

    • Reply posted by robin, at 12:52 8 Aug 2023

      robin replied:
      He will be a hard act to follow
      How about Sam Smith?
      I’m sure Sam would be light on the toes and add to this super fun SCD

  • Comment posted by Summerskye, at 20:06 8 Aug 2023

    Wonder if we may get a cricketer I believe Stuart Broad is available 😁😁

    • Reply posted by nessie69, at 20:19 8 Aug 2023

      nessie69 replied:
      I wonder who they would pair him with? He's nearly 6 foot 6 ,back in the day Natalie used to get the tall men, she was one of my favourite dancers

  • Comment posted by Mildred, at 15:55 8 Aug 2023

    These latest two reveals today are definitely "wetting the appetite", for this years Strictly Start Line.
    I will not be posting much now, and cannot say why.
    I am though, enjoying reading all the posts with their differing views, ideas and thoughts, so am keeping up-to-date with SCD news.
    Back soon and am fine. M x

    • Reply posted by Mildred, at 16:04 8 Aug 2023

      Mildred replied:
      To add I just need to stay 🤐🤐.
      I wait in eager anticipation for the next Strictly Reveal.
      I guess it will either be a sports-person or some-one with some sort of disabilty.

  • Comment posted by Willie Gallacher, at 11:08 8 Aug 2023

    Which of them has musicality,style and a charismatic personna?.........Week 1 will give us a clue.

    For me,I choose my winner and if it isnt the same as the most popular choice then thats irrelevant to me.
    Naturally I think my choice IS the best dancer and I would be a fibber teller if I said anything else.
    Do I think my choice was robbed if they dont get the Glitterball?...............of course I do
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKtLFm27uKY

  • Comment posted by Nicky91, at 08:58 8 Aug 2023

    amazing signing

    good luck Nikita, she looks gorgeous btw