The five major soap stars 'confirmed' for Strictly and I'm A Celebrity

It is that time of year again where we start to hear rumblings about which celebrities are rumoured to be taking part in some of our favourite reality TV competitions.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Strictly Come Dancing almost always have a soap star or two on their cast lists, and this year it looks to be no different.

Last year’s Strictly Come Dancing saw Coronation Street’s Kym Marsh go head to head with co-star Will Mellor, and EastEnders star James Bye, while Corrie’s Sue Cleaver and Hollyoaks’ Owen Warner headed down under for I’m A Celeb.

This year, a number of soap stars have already been rumoured to be taking part in one of the two shows, and we have compiled them into a handy list just for you!

Nigel Harman

Former EastEnders star Nigel Harman has reportedly been lined up for Strictly 2023, 17 years after his soap exit.

Nigel played Dennis Rickman on the BBC soap between 2003 and 2006, before Dennis’ tragic death left fans devastated.

Now, it looks like he is set to swap Albert Square for the Strictly ballroom, as he puts on his dancing shoes for the latest series.

A source told The Mail Online: ‘He is among the first to confirm and he turns 50 this summer so it is a challenge of his own, too.’

Ellie Leach

Having recently left Coronation Street after 12 year stint, Ellie Leach may be set to put on her dancing shoes as she takes the floor as part of the Strictly line up later this year.

The actress joined the soap as Faye Windass when she was just a child, and has grown up on the show.

Her exit aired earlier this year, with Faye leaving Weatherfield for Slough with old flame Jackson Hodge (Joseph William Evans) and daughter Miley (Frankie-Jae Simmons).

An insider said: ‘This could be just the tonic for Ellie, who’s had some huge life changes this year and could do with something fresh to focus on.

‘As well as splitting from Reagan she left Corrie, a show which she effectively grew up on as she joined the cast when she was just a child.

They continued to The Sun: ‘It’s going to take some adjusting to, but Strictly is part of opening up a new chapter for Ellie.’

Adam Thomas

Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas has also expressed an interest in Strictly 2023.

After leaving the role of Adam Barton in the ITV soap in 2018, Adam returned to Waterloo Road for two most recent series of the BBC school drama, reprising his role as Donte Charles.

Happily married Adam, who has already competed on I’m A Celeb, has joked that he wants to experience the ‘Strictly Curse’.

The Sun reported that he said: ‘Bring it all on. I love a bit of glitz and glam. I just want to experience the Strictly curse.’

A TV insider told the publication: ‘After two decades on screen and, as one of the Thomas brothers, he instantly brings a huge fanbase. That’s what Strictly bosses love.’

This comes amid news that Adam’s business has recently gone bust. Perhaps a stint on Strictly could bridge that financial gap?

Alan Halsall

Coronation Street legend Alan Halsall is said to be in talks for I’m A Celebrity 2023.

The actor is best known for playing Tyrone Dobbs in the Manchester based soap. The character recently came face to face with his biological mother for the first time, but remains unaware of who she actually is.

However, he could be set to swap the cobbles for the jungle as he joins the line up for I’m a Celeb.

‘Tyrone is one of Corrie’s most-loved characters so Alan comes with a ready-made fan base,’ a source told The Sun.

‘Alan is a top lad with bags of personality so ITV are over the moon he’s in talks to join their 2023 cast.’

Priya Davdra

Strictly are said to have their sights set on EastEnders actress Priya Davdra for this year’s series.

Priya played Iqra Ahmed on the BBC soap between 2019 and 2022.

Her character left Albert Square in January of that year to move closer to her job at a hotel.

A source told The Mirror: ‘Priya was singled out as a target for the casting team early in the process and they were keen. She is young, glamorous and would be a great fit for the show.’

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