BREAKING NEWS: Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Reveals FULL CELEBRITY Lineup — With Surprising DETAILS About Each Contestant, From Vogue Models to Game of Thrones Stars
The countdown for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing is officially in full swing. Throughout this week, celebrities taking part in this year’s series have been getting announced, with the final person announced on Friday afternoon. Fans of the BBC show won’t have long to wait for them to hit the dancefloor, after the start date was accidentally revealed on-air, although they’ll have to wait to see which professional they get matched with. As all of the names for this year’s series have officially been announced, here’s a full list of who is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Harry is best known for his role as Nitro on Gladiators (Image: BBC)
Athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is best known for his role as Nitro on the BBC show Gladiators.
The multi-gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter is no stranger to the world of Strictly as he took part in the 2024 Christmas special with professional Nancy Xu.
Speaking about taking part in this year’s main show, Harry said: “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
The reality star said she’s ‘blessed’ to be taking part in the BBC show (Image: BBC)
Dani Dyer, daughter of actor Danny Dyer, was the second celebrity to be announced as competing in Strictly Come Dancing.
The 29-year-old was thrown into the spotlight when she appeared on Love Island back in 2018 and has since fronted documentaries such as Is This Anxiety?
When speaking about taking part in the show, Dani commented: “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
Alex is an award-winning actress (Image: BBC)
Many Strictly fans will recognise Alex from her roles in Doctor Who and ER, where she gained fame for playing Dr Elizabeth Corday for eight years.
She’s also known as the infamous River Song, The Doctor’s Wife, in the BBC sci-fi show. However, Alex has also appeared in Gilmore Girls, A Discovery of Witches and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
It seems as though Alex is experiencing a mix of emotions about joining this year’s line-up, as she simply told the BBC: ” Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink stopped playing football in 2008 (Image: BBC)
The fourth person who was revealed to be taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing was former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Although he stopped playing the sport back in 2008, Jimmy has since become a familiar face in football punditry for major UK sports networks.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Jimmy commented: “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
Balvinder is known for her role as Suki in EastEnders (Image: BBC)
Balvinder Sopal is best known for playing Suki Panesar in BBC’s EastEnders. Since joining the beloved soap back in 2019, the actress has been involved in some gripping storylines.
However, the actress has also featured in many other well-known shows, including Call the Midwife, Doctors, Waterloo Road even rival soap Coronation Street. 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 on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is 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
George Clarke is a well-known social media star and YouTuber (Image: BBC)
George was the sixth star announced as competing in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, having been unveiled on the radio.
The young star is a well-known YouTuber, podcaster and social media influencer with thousands of followers.
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
RuPaul Drag Race star La Voix has performed for royalty in the past (Image: BBC)
RuPaul Drag Race viewers will be familiar with La Voix as she was the runner-up in the 2024 finale, with an impressive four RuPeter Badges under her belt.
However, before becoming a fan-favourite on the beloved drag competition, La Voix had many television appearances, including dazzling on ITV’s Queens For The Night and singing on Paramount’s Queen Of The Universe.
La Voix had nothing but excitement when speaking about joining Strictly as she said: “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
BBC fans will see Chris take to the dancefloor this year (Image: BBC)
Being named as the eighth celebrity taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing was former England rugby union player and captain, Chris Robshaw.
Chris earned an impressive 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times.
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
Ellie has revealed which Strictly pro she wants to be matched with (Image: BBC)
23-year-old Ellie Goldstein is a trailblazing model, actor and influencer who made history when she was the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue.
Along with appearing on the likes of Elle, Glamour, Mission Mag and Euphoria, the young star has recently showcased her acting skills by appearing in CBBC’s Malory Towers.
Two years ago, Mattel partnered with Ellie to launch the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome.
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
Thomas has confessed to never dancing before other than at weddings (Image: BBC)
First finding fame on BBC’s The Apprentice back in 2019, Thomas Skinner has since gone on to appear in multiple TV shows.
The 34-year-old has also featured in g 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’sMcIntyre’s Big Show, Faking It and Celebrity Masterchef.
More recently, Thomas’ social media videos have grown in popularity and he’s even gone on to release a book.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Thomas 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
Vicky Pattison is ‘buzzing’ to be part of the Strictly line-up (Image: BBC)
Vicky Pattison is no stranger to being on TV after finding fame on Geordie Shore back in 2011.
Since then, she’s become a TV presenter, author and a podcast/radio host. In 2015, she gained huge popularity with ITV viewers after being crowned Queen of the Jungle on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
Not shying away from televised competitions, Vicky has taken part in Celebrity MasterChef and BBC’s Sport Relief: All Star Games
“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,” She told the BBC.
Vicky added: “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
Stefan Dennis is known to millions for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours (Image: BBC)
Stefan was announced as the 12th celebrity in the Strictly line-up on This Morning alongside Vicky Pattison.
The actor is best known for his portrayal of Paul Robinson in the longest-running drama series in Australian television history, Neighbours.
Appearing in over 6,000 episodes of the beloved show, Stefan was a staple in the show.
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
Ross King was emotional when he was revealed to be taking part on air (Image: BBC)
Ross King is often seen on ITV’s Lorraine as the Hollywood showbiz reporter. Although he usually appeared via a videolink, Ross appeared in the Lorraine studio on Friday morning during his reveal.
He is a four-time News Emmy winner and has hosted over 30 television series since his first radio broadcast at 15 and television debut at 17.
When he was unveiled as taking part on the show, it was clear Ross was overwhelemed as he started to tear up on air.
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
Taking part in Strictly is ‘a dream come true’ for Karen (Image: BBC)
The 14th star that was announced was Karen Carney, a former footballer who played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and England.
Although she stopped playing the sport back in 2019, she’s still a regular face on television and is now the lead female pundit for both men’s and women’s football, across TNT and ITV.
Speaking about taking part in this year’s series, Karen said: “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
Kristian was an actor on the hit series Game of Thrones (Image: BBC)
Kristian Nairn is best known for playing the infamous role of Hodor in HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones.
Although he’s also appeared in the likes of comedy series Our Flag Means Death and Ripper Street.
Outside of his acting career, Kristian is one of Ireland’s most prolific house DJs and has played alongside the likes of Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Fatboy Slim, and Danny Howard.
When it comes to appearing on the BBC show, the actor said: “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!”
