The first name to be linked to the 2023 line up of Strictly Come Dancing is Loose Women panelist Sophie Morgan – who would be the first wheelchair using contestant on the show

Strictly Come Dancing may have found its first contestant for the 2023 season – and it would be a historic first for the dance show.

Reports have suggested that Loose Women star Sophie Morgan is on the cusp of signing a deal to appear on the hit BBC dance show.

The 38-year-old presenter would make history on the show as she would be the first ever wheelchair user to star on the show.

Sophie has been paralysed from the chest down since being involved in a car accident at the age of 18 – and she would follow in a line of other pioneering contestants on the show.

Sophie Morgan
Loose Women star Sophie Morgan is tipped to compete on Strictly Come Dancing 2023 ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

A source told The Sun: “She is the ideal star to take on the role.

“Plus, she is very glamorous so will look amazing in the sequined costumes.

“She already has a huge fan base from Loose Women and is a huge advocate of using her platform to promote inclusivity.”

The source went on to claim that negotiations with the ITV star are still at the “very early” stages – but production of Strictly’s 21st season are expected to begin in the coming months.

Sophie Morgan
Sophie would be the first wheelchair using contestant on the BBC show ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis won Strictly in 2018 ( 
Image:
PA)
The Mirror has contacted representatives of both Strictly and Sophie for comment.

Last year, Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds wowed the judges, live audience, and those watching from home as she took part in the series.

While in 2021, EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis romped to victory on Strictly – becoming the first ever deaf contestants to take part, and going on to win.

While back in 2017, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock became the first disabled contestant to ever take part.

Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin
Paralympian Ellie Simmonds wowed on Strictly in 2022 ( 
Image:
Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire

The hit BBC One show returned for a festive edition of the ballroom dance competition
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke were the 2022 judges of Strictly Come Dancing ( 
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)THe 2022 judging panel consisted of original judge Craig Revel Horwood, dance legend Shirley Ballas, fan favourite Motsi Mabuse and pro-turned judge Anton Du Beke.

It is so far unconfirmed if all the judges will return for the 2023 season – and if both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return to host.