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Eddie Kadi reveals massive new job after Strictly Come Dancing success
The comic is teaming up with fellow celebs on a new show (we have added an element to tease here, the ‘fellow celebs’
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Eddie Kadi has revealed his next big project after taking part in the BBC dance show.
The 40-year-old comedian told The Sun on the red carpet of last week's MOBO Awards that Strictly fans can expect to see him in a spectacular new presenting role.
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Eddie’s exciting venture as presenter of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Comedy Gala with Eddie Kadi and Friends will see him host alongside former I’m A Celeb star Babatunde Aléshé.
The South-West London resident enthusiastically told us: “We do have an amazing show coming up with Radio 1Xtra at the Hackney Empire, where we’re celebrating the Black community. But also the future generation.
“The BBC 1Xtra event will showcase a plethora of new voices in the Black comedy circuit in Britain.”
Adding to the line-up of the Comedy Gala will be a plethora of rising stars, including comedians Thanyia Moore, Kane Brown, Gbemi Oladipo, Kyrah Gray, Michael Odewale, Ola Labib and Slim.
Read More on Eddie Kadi
Congo born Eddie also spoke on a more recent project he held a deep connection to, Channel 4’s travel show My Super-Rich Holiday, which aired last October.
Eddie added at the awards held in Sheffield: “I shot a fantastic episode of a show called My Super-Rich Holiday on Channel 4, which basically showcases the continent [Africa] in the most splendid way. We did that in Ghana.”
The Channel 4 travelogue shows Eddie taking fellow stand-up Guz Khan, 38, into the exclusive world of Ghana's capital, Accra.
Eddie plays the quintessential tour guide as he takes Guz across the rich culture, history and luxurious local lifestyle on offer in one of the continent's most dazzling cities.
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They meet Afrobeat megastars, multi-millionaire playboys, and billionaire tycoons with business stories to share, going with them behind-the-scenes on a journey through some of Ghana’s most lavish areas, whilst unpacking its rich cultural tapestry.
The pair also dine at extravagant restaurants and visit opulent retreats during their trip. This had been Eddie’s first time in Ghana, Eddie is of Congolese ancestry.
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When he isn’t selling out arenas across the country or travelling to the world’s finest locations, the star hosts an Afrobeat show on BBC 1Xtra, every Sunday at 3pm.
The groundbreaking radio show provides a weekly rundown of the Top 20 most popular Afrobeat songs and is the UK’s first-ever Official Afrobeats Chart Show.
Eddie was born in 1983, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. At the age of eight, he moved to South-West London with his family.
The multi-hyphenate comedian-presenter and actor attended school in Fulham - before graduating with a degree in Media Technology from Kingston University.
He has always had a passion for comedy, and began his stand-up career in 2005, quickly becoming a regular face on the British comedy scene.
In 2009, Eddie became the first Black British solo comedian to sell out London’s Indig02, and then sold out London’s 02 Arena the year after.
Eddie opened up to The Sun on his comedic inspirations and said: “You know what, I loved Richard Blackwood growing up.
“I always remember my dad telling me to go to bed just before his show started because it starts pretty late.”
He continued: “And people like the Gina Yashere’s of this world. I loved the cheeky Lee Evans growing up as well. So many great comics that I have the privilege to work with now.”
In 2023, the British-Congolese comedian took part in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Eddie electrified audiences alongside his professional dancer Strictly partner Karen Hauer.
He was the fourth contestant voted out of the show.
The multi-talented funny man is also a team captain on ITV’s comedy panel show Sorry, I Didn’t Know.
The topical show is presented by British Bel-Air actor, Jimmy Akingbola, 45, who famously plays the iconic role of Geoffrey Thompson, on the modern-day readaption of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Previous seasons have featured team captains Holby City’s Chizzy Akundolo and Loose Women panellist Judi Love.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The show returned for its fourth season, last November.
Tickets to see BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Comedy Gala with Eddie Kadi & Friends at the Hackney Empire are available for .The show will also be available to stream on both BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds from April.
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