The Strictly 2025 contestants have been revealed, and this year’s line-up is one of the most diverse yet. From Gladiators and rugby stars to soap legends and a drag queen, fifteen celebrities will compete for the Glitterball Trophy. Therefore, fans of the hit BBC show have plenty to look forward to when the series kicks off on September 20, 2025 [citation:1].
Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the 23rd series promises plenty of drama, sequins and unforgettable routines. As a result, the Strictly 2025 contestants will need to impress judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas week after week.
Who Are the Strictly 2025 Contestants?
The full line-up of 15 celebrities was announced in August 2025. The mix includes actors, athletes, TV presenters, social media stars and a drag queen [citation:7].
Each contestant has been paired with a professional dancer. The couples were revealed during the launch show on September 20, 2025 [citation:5].
Like Tommy Mallet turned reality fame into a business empire, these celebrities hope to turn their dance skills into Glitterball glory.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro)
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known to millions as Gladiator Nitro, was the first celebrity confirmed for the 2025 series. The 36-year-old sprinter has won multiple Olympic gold medals for Team GB. He previously appeared on the Strictly Christmas special in 2024, where he scored highly with partner Nancy Xu [citation:2].
“After the Christmas special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice!” he said. He was paired with Karen Hauer for the main series [citation:5].
Dani Dyer
Love Island winner Dani Dyer was announced as a contestant on The One Show. The 29-year-old TV personality is the daughter of actor Danny Dyer [citation:5].
“Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year!” she said [citation:7]. However, Dani was forced to withdraw from the competition due to an injury before the live shows began [citation:2]. She had been paired with Nikita Kuzmin [citation:5].
Alex Kingston
Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston is one of the most recognisable names in the line-up. The 62-year-old actress played River Song, the Doctor’s wife, opposite three different Doctors [citation:2].
Fellow actress Sarah Hadland, who competed in 2024, encouraged her to sign up. “I just thought, my god, I’m in my sixties – just go for it,” Alex said [citation:7]. She was paired with Johannes Radebe [citation:5].
Like Avicii took risks in his career, Alex is stepping far outside her comfort zone to compete on Strictly.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Former Premier League footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, played for Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea. He earned a reputation for his power, pace and precision on the pitch [citation:2].
“I’m a father of only girls and Strictly is a part of our home life,” he said. He admitted he was most excited about the waltz. He was paired with Lauren Oakley [citation:5].
Balvinder Sopal
EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal is known to millions as Suki Panesar-Unwin. The 46-year-old actress has also appeared in Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Waterloo Road [citation:7].
“I have danced before, I dabbled a little bit. I did Latin and ballroom as a hobby,” she revealed. She was paired with new professional dancer Julian Caillon [citation:5].
Like Rebecca Sarker, Balvinder has experience in multiple soaps and is now taking on a new challenge.
George Clarke
YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke has built a massive online following. He co-hosts the popular podcast The Useless Hotline with Max Balegde [citation:2].
“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,” he said [citation:7]. He was paired with new professional Alexis Warr [citation:5].
La Voix
La Voix, whose real name is Christopher Dennis, is making television history. The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star is the first drag queen to compete on the main series of Strictly [citation:7].
“Strictly is a national institution, and I can’t wait to get started,” they said [citation:7]. They were paired with Aljaž Škorjanec [citation:5].
Chris Robshaw
Former England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw earned 66 caps for his country. He led England to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016 [citation:2].
“This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets!” he admitted. He was paired with Nadiya Bychkova [citation:5].
Ellie Goldstein
Ellie Goldstein is making history as the first contestant with Down’s syndrome to compete in the main series of Strictly. The 23-year-old model and actor was the first model with Down’s syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue [citation:2].
“It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream,” she said [citation:7]. She was paired with Vito Coppola, and the pair showed off a “secret handshake” during the launch show [citation:5].
Like Madge from Benidorm, Ellie is breaking barriers and proving that anyone can shine on the dance floor.
Thomas Skinner
The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner became a breakout star of his 2019 series. He has since become known for his unconventional breakfasts on social media [citation:2].
“I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings), but I’m ready to give it a go,” he said [citation:7]. He was paired with Amy Dowden, who returned to Strictly after missing the 2023 season due to a cancer diagnosis [citation:5].
Vicky Pattison
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison won I’m a Celebrity in 2015. She has since become a bestselling author, podcast host and TV presenter [citation:2].
“I’ve not got high hopes for my dancing, I’m a drinker, not a dancer,” she joked [citation:7]. She was paired with Kai Widdrington [citation:5].
Like Anna Richardson, Vicky has successfully reinvented herself multiple times throughout her career.
Stefan Dennis
Australian actor Stefan Dennis is best known for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours. He has appeared in over 6,000 episodes during the show’s 40-year run [citation:2].
He was paired with Dianne Buswell, who is making history as the first pregnant professional to compete on Strictly [citation:9]. Dianne referred to their partnership as the “Aussie dream team” [citation:5].
Ross King
Ross King is ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine LA Correspondent. The four-time News Emmy winner has hosted more than 30 television series [citation:2].
He told his dance partner Jowita Przystal: “You drew the short straw” [citation:5].
Karen Carney
Former Lioness Karen Carney earned 144 caps for England, making her the third most capped player before she retired in 2019. She has since become a leading football presenter and commentator [citation:2].
She was paired with Carlos Gu [citation:5].
Lewis Cope
Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope played Nicky Milligan on the ITV soap. He has also appeared in CBBC’s Hetty Feather [citation:2].
He said he was “over the moon” to be paired with Katya Jones [citation:5].
Withdrawals: Dani Dyer and Kristian Nairn
Two contestants withdrew from the competition before the live shows began. Dani Dyer pulled out due to an injury [citation:2].
Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, famously known as Hodor, was originally announced as a contestant. However, he withdrew due to medical reasons before the launch show [citation:2].
“Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon,” he said [citation:2].
Professional Dancers and New Faces
The professional line-up for 2025 includes fan favourites such as Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Gorka Marquez and Johannes Radebe. Two new professionals have also joined the team: Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon [citation:4].
Dianne Buswell is making history as the first pregnant professional to compete on the show. She and partner Joe Sugg are expecting their first child [citation:9].
Glitterball champion Oti Mabuse is also making a comeback in 2025. She left the pro line-up several years ago but is returning in a special capacity for the new series [citation:9].
Conclusion
The Strictly 2025 contestants represent one of the most diverse and exciting line-ups in the show’s history. From Gladiators and drag queens to rugby stars and soap legends, there is something for everyone. With the launch show airing on September 20, 2025, fans can look forward to weeks of spectacular dancing and unforgettable moments [citation:6].
Who will lift the Glitterball Trophy on December 20, 2025? Only time will tell. Consequently, millions of viewers will be watching every step of the way.
FAQs
When does Strictly 2025 start?
The launch show airs on Saturday, September 20, 2025, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer [citation:6].
Who are the Strictly 2025 contestants?
The full line-up includes Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis, Ross King, Karen Carney and Lewis Cope.
Who is the first drag queen on Strictly?
La Voix, a RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, is the first drag queen to compete on the main series of Strictly Come Dancing [citation:7].
Who has withdrawn from Strictly 2025?
Dani Dyer withdrew due to injury, and Kristian Nairn withdrew for medical reasons [citation:2].
Who are the new professional dancers?
Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon have joined the professional line-up for 2025 [citation:4].
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