‘WHAT A SHAME’: Strictly Come Dancing fans are devastated as a FORMER CHAMPION makes a HEARTBREAKING ANNOUNCEMENT about his career.

The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing is firmly underway, and several celebrities have already been revealed to be joining the show. However, it had been reported that a major pop star could be joining them in the line-up. According to The Sun, a famous singer from a girlband had “hinted” that she might be taking to the dancefloor. Fans were convinced that Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts was going to appear on the series. However, this wouldn’t have been her first time on the show, as Nicola previously appeared on the Christmas special episode.

Partnered with Giovanni Pernice in 2022, Strictly followers were certain that she was making a comeback this year as she was confirmed to be on Scott Mills’ Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning to make an announcement. One person said on X, “I would die; she is literally my favourite singer.” Another similarly chimed in, “I would SCREAM!” However, Nicola will not be joining the lineup this year.

Instead, she announced that she is going to be in a new West End show, but Strictly fans have been left gutted. One person said: “So that confirms Nicola Roberts isn’t doing #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing then who is on with Scott Mills on Radio 2 right now. Such a shame because I love her.”

Express Online contacted the BBC for comment, and a spokesperson said that the BBC doesn’t comment on speculation.

Another also commented: “FYI Nicola Roberts is sadly not doing strictly she’s gonna be in a new west end show that was her announcement on bbc radio 2.”

Five celebrities have been unveiled in the 2025 lineup for the new series of Strictly. Balvinder Sopal is the latest contestant to join.

She said in a statement: “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!”

The big reveal follows confirmation that former Love Island star Dani Dyer, retired footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Doctor Who legend Alex Kingston will be joining the lineup.

Olympic star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – also known as Nitro from Gladiators – was the first celebrity name announced for the series, which will return next month.