Angela Scanlon is making her much-anticipated return to the dance floor this year as part of the 2023 edition of Strictly Come Dancing. This marks her debut on the show, which comes over two decades after she began her television career in 2001. Fans are particularly excited about her participation, especially given her previous appearances on other dance-related programmes where she demonstrated her natural rhythm and undeniable charisma.
Teaming up with the highly accomplished Chinese national champion Carlos Gu, the Irish television personality is gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling season on the BBC’s flagship dancing competition. Carlos, who has an impressive track record of multiple international championship wins, brings a wealth of expertise and finesse to their partnership. For those curious about the professional dancers gracing the show this year, you can meet the professionals here.
However, the world of Strictly isn’t all sparkles and glitz. Scanlon, 39, recently shared a candid snapshot from the show’s launch earlier this week, offering fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes. The photo, posted on her social media, captures a moment of intense focus during rehearsals, highlighting the hard work and dedication that go into perfecting each routine. This behind-the-scenes peek provides a refreshing contrast to the polished performances viewers see on screen.
On her Instagram page, Scanlon posted two contrasting images: one a glamorous shot of herself dressed to the nines, ready for a night of dance, and another mid-action during a group performance. The latter shows her making what she humorously refers to as her “focused face.” This duality perfectly encapsulates the essence of Strictly Come Dancing – a blend of glitz, glamour, and the sheer determination required to excel in such a competitive environment.
With her trademark wit, Scanlon captioned her post: “Instagram Vs Strictly Reality. Turns out the tongue is not a one-off, it’s my unique focus face!! @gkx_carlos is miffed.” This light-hearted take on the intensity of dance practice reminds fans that, while the competition is fierce, joy and humour remain at its core.
The pairing of Carlos and Angela was officially unveiled over the weekend on the BBC show, and it has already generated significant buzz. Bringing together a seasoned professional dancer with a charismatic television personality, this duo is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about partnerships of the season.
In an interview with PA News, Scanlon, who hosts the popular chat programme Ask Me Anything, shared her initial reaction to the pairing: “I was absolutely thrilled. I ran in quite a dramatic fashion. I had always silently observed people on the show who would excitedly exclaim ‘woah!’, and then found myself doing exactly the same. But yes, I’m extremely pleased.”
She went on to praise her partner, saying: “Just like everyone else, I watched how well Carlos performed last year with Molly (Rainford), and he is an incredible dancer. But more importantly, the atmosphere he brings to the show… I feel connected to him, as if I know him from another lifetime.” This sentiment reflects the unique bond that often develops between Strictly contestants and their professional partners, a connection that goes beyond dance and becomes a genuine partnership. It’s this chemistry that often captivates audiences and keeps them coming back year after year.
