Quick Read
- Strictly Come Dancing 2025 features 15 confirmed celebrities from diverse backgrounds.
- Contestants include sporting legends, soap stars, reality TV personalities, and social media influencers.
- Stefan Dennis, known for Neighbours, joins alongside stars from EastEnders and Emmerdale.
- The new season premieres on BBC One and iPlayer on September 20th at 6:40pm.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025: The Ballroom Beckons a Fresh Line-Up
When the iconic theme tune swells and the lights blaze on the ballroom floor this September, it won’t just signal another season of Strictly Come Dancing. It marks the beginning of a glittering journey for fifteen new faces—each bringing a distinct story, ambition, and energy to the nation’s favorite Saturday night spectacle.
Confirmed Contestants: From Sports Stars to Soap Legends
This year’s cast is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of British pop culture, sport, and entertainment. As judge Craig Revel Horwood put it, “With a new cast comes a whole new energy and this year in particular, I think we’ve got some incredible celebrities.” The ballroom will welcome:
- Lewis Cope
- 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
It’s a roster that reaches across generations and genres, each contestant carrying their own hopes, nerves, and undeniable charisma.
Spotlight: Stefan Dennis, Soap Icon Steps onto the Dance Floor
Among this year’s most talked-about names is Stefan Dennis. For almost four decades, Dennis has been a mainstay on Neighbours as the infamous Paul Robinson—a role that’s seen him through the highs and lows of soap opera fame. But as Neighbours draws to a close, Dennis is ready to swap dramatic scripts for sequins and samba. “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,” he shared when his casting was announced on This Morning.
He’s not alone in the soap contingent. Balvinder Sopal, known for her role as Suki Panesar-Unwin on EastEnders, and Lewis Cope, who’s made waves in Emmerdale, will also be vying for the coveted glitterball trophy. Their journeys echo the many soap stars who have crossed into the world of ballroom—from Kym Marsh to Jake Wood—each bringing dramatic flair and a loyal fanbase.
Stars from Sports, Social Media, and More
Strictly’s charm lies in its diversity. Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw admits the dance floor is “as far out of my comfort zone as it gets.” With 66 England caps and a Six Nations Grand Slam under his belt, Robshaw’s competitive spirit is undeniable—but ballroom rhythm might prove a different kind of challenge.
Football is well represented too: Karen Carney, with 144 England caps and stints at Chelsea and Arsenal, brings athletic prowess, while Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink swaps goal scoring for gliding across the floor. “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,” Hasselbaink quipped.
The line-up also ventures into the digital age. George Clarke, a YouTuber and podcast host, represents a new wave of Strictly contestants—those whose fame was forged online rather than on stage or screen. “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,” Clarke admitted with refreshing honesty.
Inclusivity shines with Ellie Goldstein, the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Her presence is a statement in itself—reminding viewers that the dance floor is open to every kind of talent and aspiration. “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,” she said.
Personalities Bringing Spark and Heart
From reality TV, Dani Dyer (of Love Island fame) and Vicky Pattison (who rose to prominence on Geordie Shore) will bring their trademark candor and charm. Dyer, who now hosts the podcast Sorted with the Dyers with her father Danny, reflected: “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.”
Pattison, meanwhile, confesses to nerves, but is determined to embrace the challenge: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am 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!”
There’s also La Voix, the celebrated drag performer and singer, who 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.” As the second drag queen to compete on Strictly, La Voix’s presence signals the show’s continued commitment to diversity and representation.
Businessman Thomas Skinner, who became a household name on The Apprentice, rounds out the cast with trademark enthusiasm. “Beyond excited” is how he describes his mood as the launch draws near.
The Journey Begins: Anticipation and Challenge
Strictly Come Dancing isn’t just about dazzling costumes and dramatic scores. It’s about transformation—watching celebrities confront nerves, push past limits, and discover new facets of themselves. For some, like Alex Kingston (known for ER and Doctor Who), the experience is simply “Aaaaagghhh!”—a mixture of excitement and apprehension. For others, like Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the leap from Olympic track to dance floor is another way to test their mettle. “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,” he joked.
What unites them is a willingness to step outside the familiar and embrace the unknown, in front of millions of viewers. As the curtain rises on September 20th, each contestant will bring their own spark to the ballroom, ready to be judged not just on technique, but on heart, growth, and sheer entertainment value.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday, 20th September at 6:40pm. As ever, the dance floor is set for drama, laughter, and maybe even a few surprises. The nation waits, glitterball in hand.
Strictly’s 2025 line-up is a vivid reflection of modern British entertainment: diverse, unpredictable, and brimming with potential. This season isn’t just about who can master the tango—it’s about which stories will captivate viewers, and which stars will rise, fall, and maybe even surprise themselves. The real magic of Strictly is in the journey, not just the final dance.