Eddie Kadi is the fifth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this autumn, once again bringing glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation.

Eddie Kadi is a multi award-winning stand-up comedian and radio presenter.

Recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand up personalities, British-Congolese Eddie Kadi, continues to dominate the world of comedy, reaching across cultures and continents and performing to huge crowds all over the world. His signature brand of brilliant, bold, high energy entertainment has won him an ever-growing international fanbase and he was the first British black comedian to headline the O2 Arena in London.

Eddie’s worldwide reputation has seen him host both the official red carpet show for BET International and BET Africa in Los Angeles as well as being main stage host for the Afro Nation Festivals across the world.

He has hosted the prestigious MOBO Awards and appeared on numerous TV formats including Blankety Blank, The National Comedy Awards, Tonight with Target, +44 Presents: The Noughties Podcast, Don’t Hate the Playaz, and Road to Afro Nation: Davido Live. He also fronts The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and is a Team Captain on ITV’s entertainment format Sorry I Didn’t Know.

This year, Eddie has been nominated for both the prestigious Royal Television Society Best Breakthrough Award and Best Breakthrough Presenter at the Edinburgh TV Awards. He is also in production for his own documentary with Channel 4.

Eddie Kadi says: “WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE."

The news was revealed on Sunday 6 August on The Official UK Afrobeats Chart Show with Eddie Kadi, on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course.