Strictly 2023

Apparently, Josie Gibson is being chased by both Strictly and I’m A Celeb, according to today’s papers. 

I saw Angela Scanlon mentioned in the press this week as a possible. The series is starting in a couple of months and the reveals will start pretty soon, so I'd guess names are already signed up.

I'd rather see Josie Gibson in the Jungle personally. If you want someone from This Morning if we assume Schofe or his mystery Twink won't be on it, I'd suggest Clodagh McKenna one of their cooks who always seems a lot of fun and I think might be okay on the dancefloor.

The BBC may look at someone from a show like Morning Live - Michelle Ackerley would be a decent choice or Gabby Roslin as the more mature lady they like to have.

Bobby Brazier who is Jeff Brazier's and the late Jade Goody's son currently in EastEnders has been rumoured and has the interesting back story.

I read a rumour on Daily Mail online a few weeks ago that Shakin' Stevens was on their wish list. But at around 75 would he really want to do it.

Adam Thomas from Emmerdale and Waterloo Rd is also in the mix and there is talk of a wheelchair bound competitor too. There was a Strictly Spin Off years ago when they had wheelchair bound competitors but how you could judge someone against an able bodied dancer I wouldn't like to begin to think about. Ade Adepitan has been mentioned for this spot and if they did go for it I agree he'd be the perfect choice.

My fun choice would be another member from Steps, Faye did it a few years ago, H did Dancing On Ice recently and Lisa did years ago so maybe one of the other 3.

Gorka and Dianne to be top choices for a same sex partnership as I'm guessing they will want one after the good feedback in last few series. Maybe a trans/non binary contestant too but I'd really like them to do what DOI did last series when they had a Drag Queen who appeared nearly always in character and thus danced the women's role. It would be worth it just to see what he/she wore every week.

Gethin did it way back in 2007, I had to check back when he was on it. Talking of former Blue Peter presenters Richie Driss and Adam Beales have left the programme in the last year and I know Adam was a big YouTube star before joining BP.

Laura Tobin would be a good call, attractive and seems elegant. From BBC weather how about Stav or Tomasz S?

Fiona Bruce or Sophie Raworth would be nice options for one of the more mature women spots.

One of the retired Lionesses from the European Championship winning side of last summer would seem logical. Also watching Wimbledon Annabel Croft is still very elegant and poised, she lost her husband only recently so it may be a bit soon but if she wanted to keep busy could be a nice choice.

Sam Quek would be a great choice but she has Morning Live, Question of Sport filming and two young children so maybe not this year but would certainly be high on my wish list.

Fiona Bruce with Question Time and the News would probably be too busy on reflection. What about Joanna Gosling who left BBC News last year after a long stint she may have the time.

Sally Nugent from BBC Breakfast would seem a natural choice but she had a health issue with her balance in recent years, so being spun around the dance floor would be no go.

There is often someone from Radio One or Radio Two but as I'm an old git I've no idea beyond Greg James and Vick Hope who is on Radio One and Vick has already done Strictly.

Talking of weather presenters the obvious one has been overlooked :- Owain Wyn Evans ! I know it would be a too obvious pairing and Johannes had a male partner a couple of series ago but those two trying to out camp each other could be amazing. Owain with any partner would be fun to watch of course, he is a good drummer so must have a good sense of rhythm so could be a surprise package as he'd give the performance side his all. 

Kenny and Gabby Logan way back in around 2007 who were paired with James and Ola Jordan. Marvin and Rochelle Humes would be a good bet if you wanted a current couple. The late Paul Daniels and the lovely Debbie McGee both did Strictly but several years apart, Debbie was on after Paul had passed away.

Putting the modern twist on it is there a same sex couple they could use possibly from Sports - the Lionesses or there were the two Hockey girls - Richardson-Walshes ?

Another twist could be a parent and sibling ?

I was looking ar R2 listings and saw Owain's name so that was why I suggested him. He'd get the Welsh vote of course. I hadn't heard anything about his partner/husband before but that could be an interesting dynamic. Owain is likely educated to degree level himself so wouldn't be an intellectual lightweight.

I suggested Owain last year

Nigel Harman, ex Eastenders and Downton Abbey, and currently in Casualty (also Shrek and I Can't Sing, if my memory is correct), is the latest rumoured contestant, according to the Daily Fail.

I'm gonna throw two wild cards into the ring- Big Zuu and Mo Gilligan.

Not based on any rumors or anything like that, just suggestions.

Big Zuu would appeal to a certain demographic and it's be good to see him step outside of his comfort zone. By his own admission, he's a 'big boy' and usually, they're quite light-footed.

Mo Gilligan, as big as he is, I reckon on such things he flies under the radar.

Again, just two random suggestions.

Both good calls, I'd have thought Mo Gilligan may have other things on personally. But Big Zuu is a good call. Hamza last year was a heavily built man but was extremely light on his feet. Big Zuu would be funny and entertaining so ticks a lot of the boxes for a good contestant.

Someone who has sprung in my mind is Lindsey Russell. The like picking ex Blue Peter presenters and I think it is more when she will do it rather than if.

There'll be a BBC presenter with a remarkably clear diary at the end of this year. Maybe he could sign up?