SMU Graduate Nikita Kanda to take to the Strictly Dancefloor

Sequins at the ready! One of St Mary’s University Twickenham’s (SMU) famous graduates, Nikita Kanda, will take to the stage this September, as she joins the cast of Strictly Come Dancing.

A radio host and TV presenter, Nikita is best known for being the current host of the BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast show, having previously presented the Saturday afternoon show.

She follows in the dance steps of former SMU Media Arts student and BBC Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, who starred in ‘Strictly’ in 2020.

Nikita has also fronted reports on BBC One’s ‘The One Show’, covering topics such as the rise of cashless businesses, and government support for female sport. She was recently nominated for Presenter of the Year at the Asian Media Awards.

In a statement released by the BBC in August this year, Nikita Kanda described her involvement in Strictly as a "dream come true".

Made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, the award-winning series will run each weekend as celebrity contestants take to the floor with their professional partners in a bid to win the Glitterball Trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September 2023, with celebrity contestants joining Nikita including: Angela Rippon; Annabel Croft and Les Dennis.