Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Contestants: Full Line-up Revealed So Far
Glitter, sequins, and a dash of nerves, the countdown to Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has begun, and the celebrity line-up is already turning heads. From sporting icons to TV favourites, the BBC has begun unveiling the contestants for 2025, promising a mix of charm, talent, and perhaps a few unexpected dance moves.
The show, which will waltz back onto BBC One this September, is slowly revealing its cast over August. So far, the confirmed stars range from a former football goal machine to a Doctor Who icon, plus familiar faces from soaps, reality TV, and even Gladiators.
Fans keen to know exactly when the glitterball action kicks off can check the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start date for full details.
They’ll all be stepping into the spotlight, hoping to survive week after week until the glitterball trophy is lifted just before Christmas.
George Clarke
George Clarke — better known online as George Clarkey, has built a massive following through comedy sketches and viral challenges. The YouTuber and podcaster admitted he’s prepared to “fall over a fair bit” during his Strictly run.
When revealed as a contestant live on BBC Radio 1, he quipped: “I feel like a lot of people will be saying… ‘Who?’” But he’s all in: “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.”
Balvinder Sopal
EastEnders fans will know Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar, or Suki Unwin, the formidable Walford matriarch. She called joining the series a dream come true: “Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of.”
Her Albert Square storylines have been packed with drama, but now she’s swapping tense scenes for twirls: “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!” Revealed live from Albert Square on Good Morning Britain, Sopal confessed she’s not entirely new to the floor: “I did ballroom and Latin as a hobby and really loved it.”
Dani Dyer
Love Island winner, podcast host, TV presenter, and now dancer — Dani Dyer’s career continues to evolve. Married to West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and daughter of Danny Dyer, she’s already had a big year.
“Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year!” she told The One Show. She admits the biggest hurdle will be: “picking up the routines and performing on live telly.”
Alex Kingston
Alex Kingston, beloved as River Song in Doctor Who and as Dr Elizabeth Corday in ER, says she was spurred on by seeing her friend Sarah Hadland come second last year.
Despite her rich stage and screen career, the actress says she’s “terrified” about stepping into sequins. She added, with a nod to Shakira: her “hips don’t lie.”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
The former Chelsea and Leeds United striker, now England assistant coach, is doing Strictly for his daughters. “I’ve gotten into it, and I like the show, so let’s have a go,” he said.
But don’t expect him to be too confident — “I have no idea what to expect, I have a little bit of rhythm.” He joked that this will be harder than playing in front of 70,000 fans: “Dancing in front of people and with a partner who knows it 100 times better than you, it’s crazy.”
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Known to Gladiators fans as Nitro, the former Team GB sprinter was the first star confirmed for 2025 contestants. After appearing in last year’s Christmas special, he’s back for the full series: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got.”
Aikines-Aryeetey’s trophy cabinet includes Olympic appearances, European and Commonwealth titles, and a BBC Young Sports Personality award. Now, he’s chasing glitter instead of gold.
The BBC will keep revealing the remaining contestants 2025 throughout August, with rumoured additions including Olympic legend Mo Farah and TV presenter Stacey Solomon.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this September and will run until December. Sequins at the ready, Britain.
