Strictly Come Dancing's Zara McDermott issued show warning while co-star Ellie Leach makes cast claim

Strictly Come Dancing's new contestant Zara McDermott has been issued a warning as she prepares for her debut on the dancefloor. Fans of the hit BBC One dance contest will see the former Love Island star in the ballroom for the first time next weekend.

It has been announced that Strictly 2023 will hit screens on Saturday, September 16. Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return alongside judges Anton, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.

Like the previous series, the first episode of the hit competition show will see the 15 brand new celebrities welcomed to the Strictly ballroom for the first time. It also means that viewers will also find out which professional dancer they'll be paired with.

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And with a week to go until the big reveal, Strictly has teased fans by sharing the first picture of this year's celebrity stars together in all their glitz and glam for the first time. The female contestants - including Zara, Coronation Street's Ellie Leach, presenter Angela Scanlon and could all be seen putting on gorgeous leggy displays in gold dresses.

Meanwhile, the men - featuring Waterloo Road's Adam Thomas, newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy and West End star Layton Williams - looked dapper as they all donned smart variations of suits and top and trouser combos.

Sharing the picture to her own Instagram page, documentary maker Zara wrote: "HELLO STRICTLY CLASS OF 2023!! God I love you all so much already. So ready to make some memories with you lot. Couldn’t have asked for a better bunch, who are now my friends, to share this journey with. What a crazy lot we are. I bloody LOVE YAS!!!"

She then added: "I