Strictly Come Dancing logo / BBC
Strictly Come Dancing returns for a new series in a matter of weeks and the 15 celebrity participants have now been revealed.
This year’s lineup includes acting royalty, a rugby legend, a soap icon and an obligatory reality star (or two or three).
Scroll on to meet the class of 2025!
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36 (will be 37 when show starts)
Known For: Former Team GB runner, Gladiators‘ Nitro
Quote: “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
Age: 29
Known For: Love Island star, daughter of Danny Dyer
Quote: “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
Age: 62
Known For: Acting icon, including ER and Doctor Who
Quote: “Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Known For: Former footballer turned manager and pundit
Quote: “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
Age: 46
Known For: EastEnders matriarch Suki Panesar
Quote: “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
Age: 25
Known For: TikTok and YouTube star
Quote: “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
Age: 45
Known For: Drag superstar
Quote: “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
Age: 39
Known For: Former England rugby captain
Quote: “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
Age: 23
Known For: Model and actress
Quote: “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
Age: 34
Known For: Entrepreneur, candidate on The Apprentice 2019
Quote: “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
Age: 37
Known For: Geordie Shore
Quote: “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. 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
Age: 66
Known For: Neighbours legend Paul Robinson
Quote: “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
Age: 63
Known For: Long-time showbiz guru for ITV breakfast
Quote: “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
Age: 38
Known For: Former England, Arsenal and Chelsea footballer turned pundit
Quote: “It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup. 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
Age: 49
Known For: DJ and actor, aka Game of Thrones‘ Hodor
Height: 6ft 10in!!
Quote: “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!”
The Strictly Come Dancing launch show will air on BBC One on Saturday, September 20, with the first live show following a week later.
