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From Angela Scanlon to Zara McDermott: The fashion of this year’s Strictly contestants

Zara McDermott and Angela Scanlon are two of the contestants announced for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing (Alamy/PA)
Zara McDermott and Angela Scanlon are two of the contestants announced for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing (Alamy/PA)

It’s nearly Strictly Come Dancing season, with many of this year’s contestants already announced.

Broadcaster Angela Rippon will make history as the show’s oldest contestant, and she’s joined by a cast of actors, news presenters, comedians and more.

Here’s a look at the fashion of this year’s contestants…

Zara McDermott


Zara McDermott is the first Love Islander to join Strictly Come Dancing. The 26-year-old documentary maker said on BBC Radio 1: “I am nervous, excited, every single emotion honestly – I cannot wait.”

She’s usually wearing gorgeous gowns on the red carpet and co-ords and crop tops off-duty, so it’ll be no surprise if McDermott throws herself into the deep end on the show and goes all-out with her costumes.

Angela Scanlon

Angela Scanlon attending the Fashion Awards 2022 held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London. Picture date: Monday December 5, 2022.
(Alamy/PA) (Alamy Stock Photo)

TV presenter Angela Scanlon – known for fronting the revamped machine combat competition Robot Wars and Your Home Made Perfect – is fun and flirty with her fashion choices.

She started her career as a stylist, so knows her stuff when it comes to fashion. Her personal style is all about bright colours, bold patterns and a hint of sparkle – perfect for the Strictly dancefloor.

Angela Rippon

Angela Rippon at the 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England.
(Alamy/PA) (Alamy Stock Photo)

Broadcasting icon Angela Rippon, a journalist, author, newsreader and TV presenter, will be 79 when the programme is filmed.

Her fashion style is classic, with cardigans, turtlenecks, silk shirts and suit jackets her clothes of choice.

It won’t be a surprise to see Rippon wearing a lot of floral glitz, sparkles and glamour on the dancefloor – and perhaps some costumes that will push her outside of her comfort zone.

Krishnan Guru-Murthy


Dec 01, 2017 - London, England, UK - Sky Women In Film And TV Awards 2017, London Hilton - Red Carpet ArrivalsPhoto Sows: Krishnan Guru-Murthy
(Alamy/PA) (Alamy Stock Photo)

British journalist and lead presenter at Channel 4 News Krishnan Guru-Murthy sticks to what he knows.

You’ll usually find him wearing a dark two-piece suit – likely with a brightly coloured tie – or loose shirts.

Amanda Abbington


Amanda Abbington
(Belinda Jiao/PA) (Belinda Jiao/PA)

Amanda Abbington is best known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and Sherlock.

Her style is generally quite muted – she favours classic outfits in black, white or neutral colours – so the Strictly wardrobe of sparkles and shine will likely be a new experience for her.

Layton Williams

Layton Williams, Everybody's Talking About Jamie - World Premiere, Royal Festival Hall, London, UK, 13 September 2021, Photo by Richard Goldschmidt,
(Richard Goldschmidt/PA) (Alamy Stock Photo)

Layton Williams – known for playing Stephen Carmichael in the TV series Bad Education – will be a showstopper this year.

He’s often found wearing bold tailored outfits that help him stand out from the crowd – think dramatic silhouettes and daring ensembles, which will likely translate onto the Strictly stage.

Eddie Kadi

You’ll find BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter on the Official UK Afrobeats Charts Show and stand-up comedian Eddie Kadi wearing everything from casual outfits to patterned three-piece suits and striking colours.

So it’s safe to say that he’ll do his best to wear unique and outgoing costumes in this series.

Adam Thomas

Adam Thomas attending the ITV Gala 2017 held at the London Paladium, London. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment
(Doug Peters for EMPICS Entertainment/PA) (Alamy Stock Photo)

Actor and TV presenter Adam Thomas is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale and Donte Charles in BBC drama series Waterloo Road.

He’s usually found pairing denim jeans, chinos or slacks with a plain T-shirt, polo or shirt – so perhaps he’ll stay on the safe side whilst waltzing across the dance floor.