The 2025 Strictly cast announcements have officially begun

By Michelle Marshall, Senior Showbiz Reporter

Three new celebrities have been confirmed to be taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. It comes after the first famous star set to take to the dancefloor was confirmed today. Nitro from Gladiators has been announced as the first Strictly contestant. Fans have been waiting patiently to find out who has signed up to the 2025 series. Alex Scott and Roman Kemp returned to front Monday night’s episode of The One Show where they delivered a slew of clues before announcing three new stars confirmed to be taking to the dancefloor. Just minutes into the show, Dani Dyer was the second celebrity to be confirmed to be taking part in the BBC show. Before revealing the show’s second contestant the programme’s two new professional signings dished on some clues on who the celebrity could be.

Julian Callion said, “Her dad used to be an East End pub landlord but she’s hoping the judges won’t call time on her journey.” While Alexis Warr remarked, “She’s a winner when it comes to love but will she get her hands on the Glitterball Trophy.” As many fans will know, Dani, 29, is the daughter of former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer. She came to fame when she won Love Island in 2018. Speaking about her new appointment, Roman asked, “How hard has it been keeping it a secret?” Dani replied: “So hard. I think especially when there was speculation. People kept coming up to me and I’m such a bad liar. I’ve never given so much apologies.” She added both of her parents are “excited”. Dani said: “It’s such a fun magical show. It’s such an honour. They’re so excited for me.” The Love Island winner admitted she is “petrified” about performing on live television before two more contestants were announced on The One Show.

Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman (Image: BBC)

Dani Dyer was the second celebrity announced (Image: BBC)

The third contestant announced was Alex Kingston.

The 62-year-old 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.

Ahead of the announcement, Alexis shared a clue saying, “she played a surgeon across the pond and now she’s swapping her scrubs for sequins”.

While Julian shared, “she made her TV debut in Grange Hill. How will she do in the class of Strictly 2025?”

Speaking while on holiday in Italy, Kingston said on joining Strictly, she squealed: “Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”

Actress Alexis Kingston was the third celebrity confirmed (Image: BBC)

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the fourth celebrity to be confirmed (Image: BBC)

While the fourth contestant to be announced is former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The former professional footballer will enter the famous ballroom when Strictly returns.

Jimmy said: “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.”

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.

The news was revealed on The One Show on Monday 11 August. The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn

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