Strictly's Eddie Kadi shares how Congolese heritage gives him an edge

eddie kadi, strictly come dancing 2023
Strictly's Eddie Kadi talks Congolese heritageBBC

Strictly Come Dancing star Eddie Kadi has explained how his Congolese heritage will give him an edge on the show.

The comedian will take part in the upcoming 21st series of the BBC show, which premieres next weekend (September 16).

Kadi will have to beat 14 other celebrities to get his hands on the Glitterball trophy, but the star believes his heritage provides him with an advantage over his rivals.

eddie kadi, strictly come dancing
BBC

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“Being Congolese, we like moving our hips for no reason,” he told Digital Spy and other media. “But I don’t feel the pressure because it’s fun. It’s just a natural part of me, I’ve always loved dancing. So for me, when everyone’s talking about snakey hips, bring it on.

“It’s good for the warm-up as well. It’s been a lot of fun, and we’re surrounded by absolute professionals so they recognise your strengths, your weaknesses and marry them together in such a beautiful way.

“It’s so poetic and it boosts your confidence straight away. The truth is, if I don’t move my hips, the Congolese community aren't going to be happy. They’ll go ‘you need to move your hips at least once,’” he added.

strictly come dancing's angela rippon, layton williams, nigel harman, ellie leach, amanda abbington, les dennis, adam thomas, eddie kadi, angela scanlon, nikita kanda, krishnan guru murthy, annabel croft, jody cundy, zara mcdermot and bobby brazier
Ray Burniston - BBC

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Kadi was the fifth celebrity to be announced on the roster for the upcoming series, with the comedian teasing that his appearance would bring good vibes.

“Wow. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is 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.”

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its launch special on September 16 on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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