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!

Nitro from Gladiators

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

Gladiator Nitro a.k.a. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was 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.

Ellie Goldstein

Actress and disability campaigner Ellie Goldstein will make history when she steps onto the dancefloor this year.

Ellie will become the first celeb with Down's syndrome to take part in a regular series of the dance show.

She follows in the footsteps of CBeebies presenter George Webster, who was a contestant on the Strictly Christmas special in 2022.

And it seems that Ellie can't wait to get her dancing shoes on.

"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 added: "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."

George Clarke

The next celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly is YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke.

The 25-year-old social media star has built up a big following online thanks to his comedy clips, online commentary and viral videos.

So, could his acting skills come in handy on the dancefloor?

Well, it seems that his appearance on the programme came as a bit of an unexpected surprise.

George explained: "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."

Karen Carney

Sports presenter and legendary Lioness Karen Carney will also enter the famous ballroom for the next series.

Karen played for a number of clubs during her career including Chelsea, Arsenal and Birmingham City.

She also has an impressive international record - with 144 caps, Karen is England's third most-capped player.

"I'm such a huge fan of the show and I can't believe I'm finally getting the chance to take part," Karen said.

"I'm so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!"

Ross King

Presenter and writer Ross King will also be joining Strictly this series.

As ITV's Los Angeles Correspondent, he can often been found on the channel talking about all things Hollywood.

He is also a four-time News Emmy winner who has hosted more than 30 television and radio series.

Ross said: "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!" he added.

Vicky Patterson

Reality show star and TV presenter Vicky Pattison was the eleventh celebrity confirmed for the new series.

Vicky is probably most famous for being crowned Queen of the Jungle on ITV's I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2015.

"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!" she explained.

Chris Robshaw

Former England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw earned 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times.

At club level, he played 300 games for Harlequins RFC and became the only player to win the Premiership Player of the Year Award twice.

But what does Chris think about the swap from rugby to dancing?

"This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets!" he joked.

"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."

Stefan Dennis

Stefan is best known for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours, the longest running drama series in Australian television history.

He appeared in over 6,000 episodes during the 40 years that the show was on air.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Stefan Dennis said: "This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television.

But what is Stefan most excited about?

"Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky," he explained.

Thomas Skinner

TV personality Thomas Skinner more know for appearing in the boardroom, rather than the ballroom - as he's a former contestant on the business-focused BBC reality TV show The Apprentice.

He is also known for his social media videos, which often feature him tucking into a range of unusual breakfasts.

Thomas says he is "beyond excited" to be joining Strictly.

"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! " he added.

Alex Kingston

Alex Kingston 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!!!!!!"

La Voix

Singer and entertainer La Voix a.k.a. Chris Dennis is no stranger to appearing on national television, having been a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent - and having also performing in front of the Royal Family.

However, La Voix still seems a little bit nervous ahead of the new series.

"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!"

Balvinder Sopal

Suki from EastEnders a.k.a. Bavinder Sopal was 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 was 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."

Dani Dyer

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

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."

Lewis Cope

The final contestant to be announced, actor Lewis Cope joined this year's line-up after another contestant pulled out - read more about that below.

Lewis is best known for acting in the long running TV soap Emmerdale, as well as roles on the stage and screen.

Speaking about his announcement, Lewis said: "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!"

Which contestant has pulled out of Strictly 2025?

Kristian Nairn had been the fifteenth and final celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The DJ and actor is best known for playing Hodor in the Game of Thrones TV series.

However, it has now been announced that Kristian has had to withdraw from the upcoming series of Strictly due to health reasons.

Kristian said it was "with a heavy heart" that he was stepping back from this season.

"I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I'm deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor."

He added: "Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian."

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start?

Presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

The BBC hasn't confirmed the exact start date for the new series yet.

All they have revealed so far is that Strictly will return "to iPlayer and BBC One in autumn 2025."

Although, if previous series are anything to go by - we might expect the show to officially launch on either the 2nd or 3rd Saturday in September - meaning it's most likely begin on either 20 or 27 September 2025.

Who are the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 judges and presenters?

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return as hosts of Strictly, alongside the FAB-U-LOUS four judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas.

Which professional dancers are returning to Strictly Come Dancing 2025?

We don't yet know which celebs have been paired with which professional dancers, but we do know the pros we can expect to wow us with their skills and moves this series.

Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all be returning to the dancefloor.

They will be joined by two brand-new pro dancers..

Who are the new professional dancers on Strictly 2025?

Meet Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon - the two professional dancers joining the Strictly line-up for the very first time.

However, the series won't all be completely new to them though, as both have previously danced at the world-famous Blackpool Tower ballroom.

American-born Alexis Warr is best known for winning the US dance series 'So You Think You Can Dance' in 2022.

She was also crowned as 'America's Favourite Dancer', becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title.

Julian Caillon is from Australia and has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American.

He's represented his country on the international stage and he also appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia's 'Dancing With The Stars'.

Who won Strictly Come Dancing in 2024?

Chris McCausland and his partner Dianne Buswell won the last series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024.

Comedian Chris became the first ever blind contestant, and winner of the show.

He beat the other finalists JB Gill, Tasha Ghouri and Sarah Hadland to lift the glitterball trophy.

It was also the first time that Dianne had won the competition in her career as a Strictly professional dancer.