Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Which celebrities are taking part in the new series?

Calling all Strictly fans - it's time to dust off your dancing shoes and get those score paddles ready, because it's nearly time for the new series!

The programme will return to our screens this September with a fresh batch of celebrities, all hoping to get their hands on the famous glitterball trophy.

Last year, Chris McCausland made history as the first blind contestant to win the show.

But who's taking part this year? Keep reading to find out.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing take to the dancefloor? Who's your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

Balvinder Sopal

Suki from EastEnders a.k.a. Bavinder Sopal is the fifth celebrity confirmed for this year's show.

Before her time on the soap, the actress appeared in other TV programmes including Call The Midwife, Doctors and Waterloo Road.

It seems that Bavinder might have a little bit of an advantage over the other contestants.

She told ITV that she had already done ballroom and Latin dancing "as a hobby".

Bavinder added that she can't wait for the new series to start.

"I think when you've got a passion for something, you're naturally inclined to enjoy it. I'll enjoy it but I don't know if I'll be any good."

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the fourth contestant to be announced.

The Dutch international played for a number of clubs during his career in 1990s and 2000s including Chelsea, Leeds United and Atlético Madrid and was known for his power, pace, and precision.

After hanging up his boots, Jimmy became a manager and took charge of clubs such as QPR, Burton Albion and Northampton Town and he also served as an assistant coach for the England national team.

"Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I've done before but I'm looking forward to tackling a fun challenge!" Jimmy explained.

He added: "Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals."

Alex Kingston

Alex Kingston is the third celebrity contestant to be announced.

She is an award-winning actress who has been a star of stage and screen for more than forty years.

If you're a Doctor Who fan, you might well recognise her.

Alex is known to millions as the iconic River Song, aka The Doctor's Wife, a role she played opposite three Doctors on screen.

It seems that Alex isn't giving much away, but appears to be very excited about Strictly.

On joining the programme,  Alex said: "Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!"

Dani Dyer

TV personality Dani Dyer is the second celebrity contestant to be announced.

Dani is the daughter of former Eastenders actor Danny Dyer and the pair have teamed up on a number of projects including a podcast and the travel series Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dani Do Italy.

Earlier this year, Dani married West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen.

Dani 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."

Nitro from Gladiators

Strictly Come Dancing..Are. You. Ready??

Gladiator Nitro a.k.a. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the first celebrity contestant officially confirmed for this year's series.

He made the announcement live on Newsround.

And in true Nitro style, as the star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, he tried to trick presenter Jenny and Newsround viewers.

He appeared in the studio disguised as "world-famous dancer Nicky Trott", but it wasn't enough to fool Jenny, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to.

Harry then gave the real reason he was on the Newsround sofa - to tell the world he's taking part in the new series!

It's not the first time that Nitro will appear on TV's most famous ballroom.

Last, year he took part in Strictly's Christmas Special where he was partnered with Nancy Xu, and it was an experience that he really enjoyed.

Nitro explained: "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," he added.