When it comes to reality shows, Dancing With The Stars might be the most wholesome of them all.
With all the show’s drama contained to the dancefloor, Dancing With The Stars sees a group of celebrities prove their dancing skills to a panel of judges (Craig Revel Horwood, Sharna Burgess, Todd McKenney and Mark Wilson).
Now that the show has officially returned to our screens, we know which famous faces will be swapping their heels for their dancing shoes.
Below, every celebrity competing for the mirrorball trophy on Dancing With The Stars 2023.
The Cast Of Dancing With The Stars 2023
Laura Byrne
Bachelor star and Life Uncut podcast host, Laura Byrne was one of the first celebrities to announce that she would be joining the Dancing With The Stars cast. Laura revealed the exciting news on an episode of The Pick Up on May 11, when she said, “I know that you guys describe me as having rhythm in my body … I’m doing Dancing With the Stars!”
Laura follows her husband, Matty J, who competed on the show in 2021.
Charlie Albone
Landscape designer, Charlie Albone is known for his roles on Selling Houses Australia, The Party Garden, and most recently Better Homes and Gardens.
Charlie announced his Dancing With The Stars news on The Morning Show, when he explained his reasons for joining the show.
“I’m not a dancer. I said yes for my kids, to show that you can do something you’re not comfortable with and still have fun doing it,” Charlie said.
Matt Preston
Former Masterchef host turned food writer, Matt Preston joined this year’s cast of Dancing With The Stars just months after his mother died of blood cancer. His dance partner, Jessica Raffa, is currently supporting her husband through the same disease.
“We share the same story,” Matt told 7Life about his bond with Raffa.
“In the last seven months, Jess has been looking after her husband who has blood cancer, and blood cancer is one of the things that took my mum a couple of months ago.”
Sally Pearson
Australian Olympic runner and 7News reporter, Sally Pearson is also joining the cast of Dancing With The Stars. The athlete has described competing on the show as a “childhood dream.”
‘I know when the show first came out I remember saying I really would love to be on that show one day,” Pearson told the Adelaide Advertiser.
“I was a huge fan of it. So it’s really just like living my childhood dream.”
James Magnussen
James Magnussen is the second Olympic athlete to join the Dancing With The Stars cast. The Olympic swimmer announced the news on his Instagram page, where he posted a picture of himself with dance partner Natalie Lowe, with the caption, “swapping the speedos for the glitz and glamour of the d-floor.”
Virginia Gay
Virginia Gay, who is best known for her roles on All Saints, Winners and Losers, and most recently Safe Home, is also one of this year’s 14 celebrities.
The actress revealed the news on her Instagram feed, where she posted a group shot with the caption, “huge love and gratitude to my excellent dance partner direct from @bbcstrictly in the UK @ianjwaite. Love you, bb! And VERY excited to be sharing a shiny, shiny floor with this team of CHAMPIONS”
Christie Whelan Browne
Australian theatre actress Christie Whelan Browne has joined the cast of Dancing With The Stars, and she already has dancing experience. Whether this sets her apart from the other contestants, we’ll have to wait and see.
Phil Burton
Human Nature member Phil Burton revealed he would be taking to the dance floor in an Instagram video that was accompanied by the caption, “I’m about to get my moves on!!! Can’t wait to hit the stage for the next season of @dancingau Dancing With The Stars. I’ve got an amazing partner in @ashleighhunter83 and we are ready to burn up the floor for you all.”
Paulini
Australian Idol alum and ARIA-Award winning artist, Paulini will also be joining this year’s competition. The star has been keeping fans updated on her dance training and performances on her Instagram page.
Gavin Wanganeen
AFL star Gavin Wanganeen is swapping his football boots for dancing shoes. The football player told 7Plus that his strengths will be his “determination to succeed” while his challenges will be in the rhythm department.
Issa Shultz
Issa Shultz might be used to using his brain as one of the “chasers” on The Chase Australia, this ‘supernerd’ is now brushing up on his dancing skills.
When it comes to challenges on the show, Issa told 7Plus that it would be, “Anything physical – lifting (no thanks!), extended cardio (no thanks!), you’re talking to someone who reads books all day in a comfy chair!”
Mary Coustas
Comedian and actor, Mary Coustas will also be competing for the coveted mirrorball trophy and hopes her acting experience will help her succeed.
“Having played a character like Effie for almost 35 years has prepared me for taking risks and not taking myself too seriously. I hope that it translates to the dance floor in a theatrical, emotive and impactful way,” Mary told 7Plus.
Pia Miranda
Actor and Survivor winner, Pia Miranda has been rehearsing up to 50 hours a week in preparation for the competition.
“I have actually always wanted to do Dancing With The Stars,” Pia told 7Plus. I used to love ballet when I was young, but I haven’t danced for over 30 years and have always wanted to revisit my love for it.”
Emily Weir
Home and Away actress Emily Weir revealed the news with an Instagram post, where she posted a sneak peak of the upcoming series alongside the caption, “getting to work with this killer cast has been nothing short of amazing.”
Dancing With The Stars airs Sunday nights on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
