The first celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star ofGladiators. As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17. Harry has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. He has competed in two Olympic games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion.
In 2023 Harry was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, and he took part in last year’sStrictly Come Dancing Christmas Special partnered with Nancy Xu.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey says: “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 is the second celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Dani Dyer has been announced as the second celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Dani Dyer is a TV personality, broadcaster, author and mother of three.
Born in Canning Town, Dani has fronted documentaries such as Is This Anxiety?, has teamed up with her father Danny for podcast Live and Let Dyers and travelogue series Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dani Do Italy, and has made guest appearances in EastEnders and Celebrity Gogglebox. Dani won Love Island in 2018 and has since amassed over three million social media followers. She is also a published author, with her debut book What Would Dani Do? reaching the Sunday Times Bestsellers list. Dani married West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen in May this year.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Dani Dyer says: “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 is the third celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston has been announced as the third celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Alex Kingston has been a star of stage and screen for more than four decades, gaining international fame as Dr Elizabeth Corday in the global hit TV drama ER for eight years, winning a SAG award in the process. She is known to millions of Doctor Who fans as the iconic River Song, aka The Doctor’s Wife, a role she has played opposite three Doctors on screen and continues in audio adventure and novel form.
Other television work includes a BAFTA-nominated performance as Moll Flanders, plus roles in Douglas Is Cancelled, Treason, Gilmore Girls, Boudica, Lost in Austen, Dodger, A Discovery of Witches, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Arrow. Her extensive theatre roles range from playing Lady Macbeth, to Nurse Ratchet in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Prospero for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and many many more.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alex Kingston says: ”Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the fourth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been announced as the fourth celebrity joining the squad in the new series ofStrictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a former professional footballer and football manager best known for his prolific goal-scoring career in the Premier League and across Europe.
A Dutch international, Jimmy played for clubs including Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, earning a reputation for his power, pace, and precision. 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 served as an assistant coach for the England national team.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says: “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 is the fifth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Balvinder Sopal is an actor whose career spans theatre, radio, film and television. She 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 Come Dancing, Balvinder Sopal says: “Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working onEastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancingis 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 is the sixth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
George, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star known to millions online. Born and raised in the UK, George began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world. Since then he has built a thriving digital career with millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice. He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has proven so popular it has led to a series of live shows across the UK.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, George Clarke says: “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.”
La Voix is the seventh celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
La Voix has been announced as the seventh celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
La Voix is a performer, presenter and singer who competed in the 2024 series of the BBC hit RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
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.
But La Voix is no stranger to national television. From dazzling on ITV’s Queens For The Night, to belting her heart out on Paramount’s Queen Of The Universe, her journey over the years has been nothing short of iconic. She wowed the judges as a semi-finalist onBritain’s Got Talent, being declared a “a force to be reckoned with” by judge Alesha Dixon, and graced the silver screen in the cult comedy Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. With her live show, La Voix Meets, she’s interviewed legends such as Dawn French, Joanna Lumley, Su Pollard, and Vanessa Feltz, and performed for the British Royal Family at their exclusive New Year’s Eve ball two years running.
Alongside bringing a whole host of La Voix’s artistry toStrictly, performer Chris Dennis is excited for viewers to go beyond the stage persona and meet the real him.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix says: “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.”
Chris Robshaw is the eighth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Chris Robshaw has been announced as the eighth celebrity joining the team in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Chris Robshaw is a former England rugby union player and captain. 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. At club level, he played 300 games for Harlequins RFC, guiding them through their most successful era and becoming the only player to win the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Award twice.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Chris Robshaw says: “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 is the ninth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Ellie Goldstein has been announced as the ninth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Ellie is a trailblazing model, actor and influencer, who in 2023 made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Her modelling career has also seen Ellie appear on the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag and Euphoria magazines, and she has featured 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.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ellie Goldstein says: “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!”
Thomas Skinner is the tenth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Thomas Skinner has been announced as the tenth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Thomas Skinner first hit TV screens on The Apprentice in 2019, becoming 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 onCelebrity Masterchef. Born and bred in Romford, Thomas is a self-confessed ‘grafter’ who has spent much of his life on market stalls and currently runs a number of small businesses, ranging from mattresses to a gym. His motivational-style social media videos, often featuring unconventional breakfasts, have become hugely popular, and in 2023 he released his debut book Graft – How to Smash Life. Thomas is also a regular on TalkSport Radio and in 2024 he presented their men’s mental health podcast The Men’s Room with Neil Ruddock.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, 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 is the eleventh celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Vicky Pattison has been announced as the eleventh celebrity to join the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Vicky Pattison is a TV presenter, author, podcast and radio host who 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, with presenting roles across MTV, ITV, Channel 5, Channel 4 and TLC.
Her critically acclaimed Channel 4 documentary Vicky Pattison: Alcohol, Dad and Me cemented her as a compelling and authentic voice in the conversation around alcohol addiction and mental health. Vicky has also been a Celebrity MasterChef finalist, appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and featured in BBC’s Sport Relief: All Star Games and was seen raising money in BBC’s Arctic Challenge for Comic Relieflast year.
Off-screen, Vicky has authored multiple Sunday Times best-selling memoirs and novels – withNothing But the Truth reaching number one and remained in the top ten for seven weeks – built a loyal online community of over five million followers and is a passionate campaigner for women’s health and emotional wellbeing, with a recent investigation into women’s reproductive health in collaboration with Good Morning Britain. She currently presents the Saturday afternoonshow on Heart Radio and hosts two hit podcasts:Get A Grip with Angela Scanlon and BBC Sounds Love Bombed.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Vicky Pattison says: “‘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 is the twelfth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Stefan Dennis has been announced as the twelfth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Stefan is an actor 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. Prior to joiningNeighbours, Stefan worked extensively on Australian television with numerous roles on shows including Prisoner, The Henderson Kids, The Sullivans, Young Doctors and Sons and Daughters, to name a few.
In the UK he has also appeared in The Bill, Dream Team, River City and Casualty as well as starring in the West End musical Blood Brothers.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Stefan Dennis says: “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 is the thirteenth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Ross King has been announced as the thirteenth celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
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.
For US network television, Ross was a World Judge on CBS’ The World’s Best, hosted The Hollywood Christmas Parade, The Critics Choice Movie Awards Red Carpet and for six years was the Entertainment Anchor on Los Angeles’ KTLA, winning four News Emmys and a Golden Mic Award. Ross was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to broadcasting, the arts and charity. Ross has also written three novels with Shari Low, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, and has written for television comedy shows, stage plays and films.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ross King says: “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 is the fourteenth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Karen Carney has been announced as the fourteenth celebrity to be announced for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
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. Aside from her incredible playing and broadcast career, Karen has secured a name for herself as a trailblazer in the advancement of women in sport. In 2022 she began leading a landmark government review with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, into the ‘Future of Women’s Football’ in the UK, every recommendation of which was successfully backed by the government in 2023. In the same year, she also hosted the ITV series Leaders of the Pack which saw her have candid conversations with key figures in women’s international football.
Karen made history at the men’s World Cup 2022 as part of the first all-female line-up to analyse a men’s football game. Summer 2024 saw her lead the ITV coverage of the men’s Euros, including the nail-biting final between England and Spain. She again led the way for ITV in both of the Lionesses’ 2022 and 2025 historic women’s Euro wins. Karen was awarded an MBE in 2017, and an OBE in 2024, for services to association football.
She also co-hosts the Long Story Short podcast with fellow England alumni and best friend Jill Scott, which is a hilarious and nostalgic delve into the stories of their friendship, through their football years and beyond.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Karen Carney says: “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!”
Kristian Nairn is the fifteenth celebrity contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Kristian Nairn has been announced as the fifteenth and final celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Kristian Nairn is an internationally renowned actor, DJ and creative force who has spent over two decades at the forefront of music and entertainment. Kristian is best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Hodor in HBO’s global phenomenon Game of Thrones, a role that earned him a devoted international following and created one of the most iconic and emotional moments in recent TV history. Kristian is also known to millions around the world for his role as Wee John Feeney in two series of the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death.
As one of Ireland’s most prolific house DJs, he has played alongside industry icons including Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Fatboy Slim, and Danny Howard, and has delivered high-energy sets at global superclubs such as Amnesia, Café Mambo, and Hakkasan.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Kristian Nairn says: “This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it! It’s a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!”
Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing
Actor Lewis Cope joins the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Lewis Cope has been announced to join the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this September.
Lewis is best known for his performance in ITV’sEmmerdale 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 nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards for the role. Away from the Dales, Lewis’ other television work includes roles inVera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, and Hetty Feather and he previously worked with David Beckham on an advertising campaign. On stage, Lewis has played the lead role of Leonard Vole in the Olivier-nominatedAgatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution, has toured the UK in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and, at the age of 11, he made his stage debut playing Michael in the West End smash Billy Elliot: The Musical.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Lewis Cope says: “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!”
The news was revealed on tonight’s episode of The One Show, following Kristian Nairn’s earlier announcement of his departure from this year’s competition.
