DJ, comedian, and actor has been confirmed as the fifth contestant of 2023!
He joins , , , and in swapping the day job for the ballroom later this year.
The 40-year-old star is recognised as one of the most globally celebrated stand-up personalities.
He 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 the 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.
Eddie also fronts The Official 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.
Speaking about Eddie couldn’t have sounded more excited.
‘Wow. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to who I am,’ he said.
‘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.’
Fans were caught somewhat off guard by Eddie’s announcement, given that it broke on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
However, he’s already been inundated with messages of support.
‘Very happy about this yes @EddieKadi will have to bring those afrobeats hips to the dance floor’, one person tweeted.
‘He’s funny and he has rhythm. Can’t wait for everyone to get to know him’, said another.
Eddie’s casting comes after newsreader explaining that his motivation for signing up came from one famous motto.
‘You only live once,’ he said.
‘I’m here for the joy and the fun. I love my job. It’s very, very privileged: I go to amazing places and speak to amazing people, but it’s incredibly serious; it’s quite stressful.
‘So the idea of being able to have pure intravenous joy, alongside – because I’m going to be doing the news at the same time – is just irresistible.’
The legendary journalist will compete alongside Bad Education star Layton, 28, who has and Angela, 78, who is
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
