There are 15 celebrities – including actors, reality stars and a Gladiator – taking part in the BBC One dance show
The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up(Image: PA)
After months of anticipation, Strictly Come Dancing is finally returning to our TV screens this weekend.
After an epic 2024, which saw comedian Chris McCausland and professional dancer Dianne Buswell lift the Glitterball trophy in emotional scenes, we’ll finally get to see the new crop of celebrities hitting the dance floor.
The hit BBC One dance contest is back, bringing all the glitz and glam to our weekends from Saturday night (September 20) at 6.40pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
And there 15 celebrities – including an EastEnders star, Love Island winner, and a Gladiator – who have been brave enough to sign up for the 2025 series.
It all kicks off with Strictly’s pre-recorded launch show tonight, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcoming the new stars into the ballroom as they make their dancing debut and discover which professional dancer they will be paired with.
But the real competition won’t begin until the first live show a week later, on Saturday, September 27, in which fans will see the new couples perform for the judges’ verdict for the first time.
As the hit dance show returns, here’s a reminder of who is taking part this year:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey(Image: BBC)
Harry is best known for competing on the Bradley and Barney Walsh version of Gladiators, where he goes by the name Nitro and takes on members of the public in physical challenges.
The multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, who was the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, has already appeared on Strictly once before as he took part in last year’s Christmas special with Nancy Xu.
Harry shared: “After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got. I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer(Image: BBC)
The daughter of former EastEnders star Danny Dyer rose to fame on the fourth season of Love Island, which she won with her ex-Jack Fincham.
Following her success on the reality dating show, Dani has fronted documentaries such as Is This Anxiety?, has teamed up with her father Danny for podcast Live and Let Dyers and has made guest appearances in EastEnders and Celebrity Gogglebox.
Boasting over three million social media followers, she is a published author with her debut book What Would Dani Do, and tied the knot to West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen in May this year.
Teasing what to expect, she said: “Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.”
Alex Kingston
Alex Kingston(Image: BBC)
Doctor Who fans are going to be buzzing at the news of Alex Kingston’s announcement, with the actress playing River Song on the BBC sci-fi series from 2008 until 2015.
Outside of her time travelling with the Doctor, Alex rose to fame s Dr Elizabeth Corday in the global hit TV drama ER, winning a SAG award in the process during her eight years on the medical programme.
Other television work from Ralph Fiennes former wife includes Douglas Is Cancelled, Treason, Gilmore Girls, Boudica, Lost in Austen, Dodger, A Discovery of Witches, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Arrow.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alex simply told the BBC: ”Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink(Image: BBC)
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, best known for banging the goals in the Premier League and across Europe, is swapping his football boots for a pair of dancing shoes.
The retired Dutch footballer played for Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, earning a reputation for his power, pace, and precision during his playing career.
Since retiring, Jimmy has become a familiar face in football punditry for major UK sports networks, managed clubs like Burton Albion and Northampton Town and even served as an assistant coach for the England national team.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said of joining Strictly: “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.”
Balvinder Sopal
Balvinder Sopal(Image: BBC)
The actress, whose career spans theatre, radio, film and television, is most known for playing the infamous Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders since 2019.
As Suki she has been at the heart of some of EastEnders’ most gripping and acclaimed storylines, from being part of ‘The Six’ to her on-off affair with Eve Unwin.
Before EastEnders, Balvinder appeared on many popular TV shows in various guises, including a guest lead in Call The Midwife series seven, Doctors, and Waterloo Road.
On joining Strictly, Balvinder said:: “Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!”
George Clarke
George Clarke(Image: BBC)
Rising YouTube George Clarke was confirmed as the sixth member of the class of 2025 on BBC Radio One’s Going Home Show. Boasting over 600,000 subscribers, George is a close friend of megagroup The Sidemen.
Also known as George Clarkey, George began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world.
Amassing a major following across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with fans drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice, George co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast with Max Balegde.
“Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall over a fair bit,” he joked.
La Voix
La Voix(Image: BBC)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix has been announced as the seventh contestant to add even more glitz and glamour to the nations favourite dancefloor.
A powerhouse of charisma, comedy, and cabaret, La Voix stole the show and hearts of viewers on the series. With four RuPeter Badges under her belt and a place in the Grand Finale, she was awarded runner-up and quickly became a fan favourite..
She’s no stranger to appearing on screen, having been on ITV’s Queens For The Night, and impressing the judges as a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent where she being declared “a force to be reckoned with” by judge Alesha Dixon.
“I’ve performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse'”, she quipped.
Chris Robshaw
Chris Robshaw(Image: BBC)
Chris Robshaw was confirmed as the eighth contestant on Strictly on Scott Mills BBC Radio 2 Show. The former England rugby captain will enter the famous ballroom in just a few weeks time.
He first joined his childhood club, Harlequins RFC, straight out of school and became captain at 23 years old. He earned 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016.
Upon joining the line-up for 2025, he admitted: “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.”
Ellie Goldstein
Ellie Goldstein(Image: BBC)
BBC Breakfast revealed Ellie Goldstein as the ninth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
As a trailblazing model, actor and influencer, she made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Her modelling career has also seen the star appear in huge campaigns for brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas.
Two years ago Ellie partnered with Mattel to launch the first ever Barbie with Down syndrome, and more recently her acting has taken centre stage, with 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 gushed.
Thomas Skinner
Thomas Skinner(Image: BBC)
Thomas Skinner was the tenth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
He first hit TV screens on The Apprentice in 2019, and found himself as a breakout star of his series. Since leaving the boardroom, Thomas has appeared on TV shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Good Morning Britain and Faking It, alongside a memorable and “meme-worthy” appearance on Celebrity Master Chef.
On joining the Strictly ballroom, Thomas Skinner says: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!
“I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”
Vicky Pattison
Vicky Pattison(Image: BBC)
Vicky Pattison was the eleventh celebrity announced as taking to the Strictly ballroom this year.
The TV presenter, author, podcast and radio host won the nation’s heart after being crowned Queen of the Jungle on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2015. Since then, she’s remained a firm fixture on British screens.
On joining the hit BBC show, Vicky shared: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am a not a natural dancer! However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don’t make too much of a fool of myself!”
Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis(Image: BBC)
The actor was revealed as the twelfth celebrity who will be appearing on the Strictly dance floor in 2025.
Stefan is best known for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours, the longest running drama series in Australian television history. He created the role for the first episode in 1985 and appeared in over 6,000 episodes during the 40 years that the show was on air.
He admitted: “This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.”
Ross King
Ross King(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The news was revealed live on ITV’s Lorraine in a surprise reveal that saw Ross King ‘live from Hollywood’ announcing the next contestant: himself!
Ross can be seen daily on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles Correspondent. He is a four-time News Emmy winner who has hosted more than 30 television series since his first radio broadcast at 15 and television debut at 17.
He gushed: “From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom – it’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show. I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! Let’s give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: ‘You’ll never know till you give it a go!'”
Karen Carney
Karen Carney(Image: BBC)
Karen Carney is a former footballer who played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and England, and is now the lead female pundit for both men’s and women’s football, across TNT and ITV.
With 144 caps, Karen is England’s third most-capped player, competing at four World Cups, four European Championships and the London Olympics before retiring in 2019.
She shared: “It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line up. I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part. I’m so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!”
Lewis Cope
Lewis Cope(Image: BBC)
Lewis is best known for his performance in ITV’s Emmerdale as series regular Nicky Milligan, who in an explosive storyline was revealed to be a member of the series’ iconic Tate and Dingle families.
Lewis was also nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards for the role.
He said: “I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”
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