{"id":2011368,"date":"2025-09-10T12:01:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T12:01:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2011368"},"modified":"2025-09-10T12:01:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T12:01:21","slug":"strictly-come-dancing-stars-spotted-as-launch-show-plans-continue-amid-celebrity-drama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/strictly-come-dancing-stars-spotted-as-launch-show-plans-continue-amid-celebrity-drama\/","title":{"rendered":"Strictly Come Dancing stars spotted as launch show plans continue amid celebrity drama"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_8531e9\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">The stars of the BBC show&#8217;s 2025 series have been spotted as the launch show is pre-recorded before it airs later this month<\/h2>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32448012\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32448012.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/1_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESMOTSI-MABUSECELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM-THE.jpg\" alt=\"Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32448012.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/1_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESMOTSI-MABUSECELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM-THE.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32448012.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/1_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESMOTSI-MABUSECELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM-THE.jpg 615w,&#10;          https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32448012.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1023\/1_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESMOTSI-MABUSECELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM-THE.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 810px\"\/><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse<\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6\">(Image: JAMES CURLEY)<\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A number of this year&#8217;s <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/all-about\/strictly-come-dancing\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\">Strictly<\/a> Come Dancing stars have been spotted as the launch show is pre-recorded before it airs later this month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Excitement is now building for the 2025 run of the hit <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/all-about\/bbc\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"BBCLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\">BBC<\/a> One dance contest, with the stars of this year&#8217;s series already getting stuck into training having discovered their partners for the first time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Last week, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/news\/tv\/strictly-come-dancing-so-back-32423457\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\">the BBC shared its first teaser<\/a> of the series, which sees Strictly&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The 30-second clip gives an early taste of a sizzling full-length routine that will form part of Strictly&#8217;s hotly anticipated launch show, which will<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/news\/tv\/bbc-strictly-come-dancing-line-32326192\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\"> reveal who this year&#8217;s 15 celebrities<\/a> will be paired with as they each come face-to-face with their pro partner.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-32447986\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32447986\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447986.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESJIMMY-FLOYD-HASSELBANK-AND-KAREN-CARNEY-AND-LEWIS-COPESTRICTLY-ITS-FINALLY-B.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447986.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESJIMMY-FLOYD-HASSELBANK-AND-KAREN-CARNEY-AND-LEWIS-COPESTRICTLY-ITS-FINALLY-B.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447986.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESJIMMY-FLOYD-HASSELBANK-AND-KAREN-CARNEY-AND-LEWIS-COPESTRICTLY-ITS-FINALLY-B.jpg 615w,&#10;          https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447986.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESJIMMY-FLOYD-HASSELBANK-AND-KAREN-CARNEY-AND-LEWIS-COPESTRICTLY-ITS-FINALLY-B.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\"\/><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Lewis Cope, Karen Carney and Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink are among this year&#8217;s contestants<\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6\">(Image: JAMES CURLEY)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">While fans will have to wait until Saturday, September 20, to see all the action unfold from Strictly&#8217;s famous ballroom, those lucky enough to get ballot tickets will be watching as the first episode is recorded on Wednesday (September 10) night.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-32447988\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32447988\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447988.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCRAIG-REVEL-HORWOODCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-F.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447988.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCRAIG-REVEL-HORWOODCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-F.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447988.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCRAIG-REVEL-HORWOODCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-F.jpg 615w,&#10;          https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447988.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCRAIG-REVEL-HORWOODCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-F.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\"\/><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Craig was all smiles<\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6\">(Image: JAMES CURLEY)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">They were also joined by some of the show&#8217;s judges &#8211; Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood &#8211; who will also be seen back in the ballroom for the first time since last year&#8217;s grand finale.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Not only that, Chris McCausland, Strictly&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It&#8217;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&#8217;s celebs and their partners take to the floor for the first time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Plus, there will also be a sensational routine from last year&#8217;s winners Chris and Dianne Buswell, an exclusive performance from Jessie J, and plenty of Strictly surprises &#8211; all hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.<\/p>\n<div data-testid=\"image-group\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX false\" data-testid=\"imageembed-32447957\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32447957\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447957.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCHRIS-MCCAUSLANDCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447957.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s458b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCHRIS-MCCAUSLANDCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM.jpg 458w, https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447957.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCHRIS-MCCAUSLANDCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM.jpg 615w,&#10;          https:\/\/i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/article32447957.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_NORMAL-NON-EX-PRICESCHRIS-MCCAUSLANDCELEBS-LEAVE-THEIR-HOTEL-EN-ROUTE-TO-ELSTREE-STUDIOS-TO-FILM.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 458px) 458px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\"\/><span class=\"ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby\"><\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC\">Chris is also heading back to the ballroom for one performance only<\/span><span class=\"ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6\">(Image: JAMES CURLEY)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">However, amid plans for the launch, there is drama unravelling after Thomas Skinner abruptly left a press event to launch the upcoming series<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Following the debacle, with details of the reason for he abrupt exit unconfirmed, the BBC has now told <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/tv\/tv-news\/thomas-skinner-strictly-bbc-axe-35878458\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\">the Mirror: <\/a>&#8220;The BBC is very clear that any behaviour which falls below the standards expected will not be tolerated on our programmes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The stars of the BBC show&#8217;s 2025 series have been spotted as the launch show is pre-recorded before it airs later this month Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse(Image: JAMES CURLEY) A number of this year&#8217;s Strictly Come Dancing stars have been spotted as the launch show is pre-recorded before it airs later this month. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2011369,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25173],"tags":[25507,30156,21913],"class_list":["post-2011368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artists","tag-bbc","tag-strictly-come-dancing","tag-tv"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Strictly-Come-Dancing-stars-spotted-as-launch-show-plans-continue.j.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2011368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2011368"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2011368\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2011369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2011368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2011368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2011368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}