The stars of the BBC show’s 2025 series have been spotted as the launch show is pre-recorded before it airs later this month
A number of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing stars have been spotted as the launch show is pre-recorded before it airs later this month.
Excitement is now building for the 2025 run of the hit BBC One dance contest, with the stars of this year’s series already getting stuck into training having discovered their partners for the first time.
Last week, the BBC shared its first teaser of the series, which sees Strictly’s professional dancers and head judge Shirley Ballas enjoying one last burst of summer at a fab-u-lous pool party, held in the grounds of a glamorous mansion.
The 30-second clip gives an early taste of a sizzling full-length routine that will form part of Strictly’s hotly anticipated launch show, which will reveal who this year’s 15 celebrities will be paired with as they each come face-to-face with their pro partner.
While fans will have to wait until Saturday, September 20, to see all the action unfold from Strictly’s famous ballroom, those lucky enough to get ballot tickets will be watching as the first episode is recorded on Wednesday (September 10) night.
Ahead of the record, those set to take part in the popular programme this year were pictured heading to Elstree Studios to film the launch show
Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former Lioness Karen Carney and ex-England rugby star Chris Robshaw were among those who were all smiles as they emerged from their hotel.
They were also joined by some of the show’s judges – Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood – who will also be seen back in the ballroom for the first time since last year’s grand finale.
Not only that, Chris McCausland, Strictly’s reigning champ, was also with them as he prepares to perform in the ballroom once again since lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy back in December.
It’s already been revealed that as well as the pairings being revealed for the first time, Strictly: The Launch will also feature a spectacular group dance, where all of this year’s celebs and their partners take to the floor for the first time.
Plus, there will also be a sensational routine from last year’s winners Chris and Dianne Buswell, an exclusive performance from Jessie J, and plenty of Strictly surprises – all hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
However, amid plans for the launch, there is drama unravelling after Thomas Skinner abruptly left a press event to launch the upcoming series
The former The Apprentice contestant and social media personality left the Elstree Studios event after talking to a group of journalists who were interviewing him alongside fellow 2025 contestant former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
With a number of other people still to speak to, journalists waiting to interview Thomas, including the Manchester Evening News, did not get a chance to put any questions to the star.
Following the debacle, with details of the reason for he abrupt exit unconfirmed, the BBC has now told the Mirror: “The BBC is very clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected will not be tolerated on our programmes.”
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