BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing start date confirmed as nine celebrities announced for 2025 series

The annoucment arrived during an interview with Ellie Goldstein on BBC Breakfast

Fans don’t have long wait to wait for the series to return(Image: BBC)

BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing’s start date was confirmed as the first nine celebrities were announced for the 2025 series.

With anticipation building for the 23rd season of the annual BBC programme, three new names were confirmed on Wednesday (August 13).

Having previously finished as runner-up in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, drag queen La Voix is has already been marked by fans as an early favourite to lift the Glitterball trophy.

La Roix, who also reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent and appeared on ITV’s Queens For The Night, called Strictly a ‘national institution’ and said she ‘can’t wait to get started’.

Also announced on Wednesday was former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, who led his nation to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016.

“This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha,” he said.

Capping off the three huge announcements was model, actor and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who was the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue.

Jon Kay broke the news on BBC Breakfast(Image: BBC)

Having worked with the likes of Gucci Beauty and Adidas, Ellie has shown a strong interest in acting in recent years, appearing in a a guest lead role in CBBC’s Mallory Towers.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.

“I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin,” she said.

With Ellie’s announcement made on BBC Breakfast, presenter Jon Kay revealed the premiere date at the conclusion of their interview.

He told viewers: “Strictly starts on the 20th September.”

While the BBC were yet to officially announce the new season’s start date, it was widely speculated that it would be Saturday, September 20.

Also learning the art of dance this year is Gladiator’s Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston and football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

With more names to be added in due course, EastEnders actress Belvinder Sopal and YouTuber George Clarke were also confirmed this week.