Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up so far as Dani Dyer, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Alex Kingston announced
After Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey became the first 2025 star revealed…
The Strictly announcements are coming thick and fast, with the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing line-up taking shape.
Earlier today (August 11), Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was announced at the first star taking part. He is best known for being a part of the BBC’s Gladiators, known to fans as his alter-ego Nitro. He also took part in the 2024 Strictly Christmas special.
On The One Show tonight, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were announced!
Footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the final star announced on The One Show on Monday (Credit: BBC)
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a former professional footballer and football manager best known for his prolific goal-scoring career in the Premier League and across Europe.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 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.”
Fans LOVE him.
“What a legend – really hope he does well,” said one fan of footballer Jimmy. “Sorry but I was not expecting Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to be doing Strictly this year, that’s so cool!” said another.
Is there a doctor in the house? ER star Alex is also heading to the ballroom (Credit: BBC)
Alex Kingston signs up for Strictly 2025
Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston, 62, was the second star announced on The One Show.
She shared: “I’m excited, I was super excited and now I actually am terrified.”
Alex added that she wanted to sign up after her pal Sarah Hadland did it last year. “I just thought, oh my god, she’s done it, and she went all the way. I reached out and I asked her what her experience of having been part of the show was. She was really honest about how hard it was but how it changed her life and she’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Fans were thrilled at the news.
“Suchhhh a good signing I’m SO excited for this!” said one. “Such a throwback having Alex Kingston competing in Strictly this year, all I can think about is her in Doctor Who with David Tennant,” said another. A third then added: “Alex Kingston is incredible! Loved her in Doctor Who as River Song. She is going to be amazing!”
The worst-kept secret in TV? Dani Dyer is doing Strictly (Credit: BBC)
Dani Dyer IS doing Strictly 2025
The daughter of EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, Dani Dyer was announced by Roman Kemp and Alex Scott on The One Show.
“It’s been so hard keeping it secret,” she said, before revealing that her famous dad can’t wait to see her on the dance floor. “They’re so excited. It’s such a fun magical show.”
She also said: “To be asked to do it was just such an honour.”
Fans of the show are thrilled she’s signed up. One commented: “Dani’s gonna be amazing.” Another quipped: “Well that was a terribly kept secret – Dani Dyer.”
The athlete was the first celeb contestant announced (Credit: Loughborough University/YouTube)
Gladiators star in Strictly line-up
The news of Strictly’s first celebrity contestant was announced on Monday (August 11) during a prank on CBBC show Newsround.
Harry appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as “world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott”. However, his disguise was rumbled by Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence. After exposing who she was really talking to, Harry gave the real reason he was there – to tell the world he’s taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
On signing up, 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.”
Fans soon shared their thoughts online about Strictly’s first celebrity contestant, with some apparently unfamiliar with who Harry is.
“Who? Never heard of him,” said one. Someone else added: “Never heard of him – bet they’ve scraped the barrel this year.”
Meanwhile other fans were over the moon at Harry signing up for the show.
“Yes I love him he’s got such a good personality and he’s a brilliant Gladiator,” declared one. Another gushed: “Good choice. Being an Olympic athlete he’ll have a good approach to training.”
