Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Launch Date, Full Line-Up and How to Watch
The dancefloor is ready. Glitterballs are polished. And the BBC is gearing up for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Suckers across the UK can eventually mark their timetables as the cherished cotillion competition prepares to return with a fresh batch of celebrities and a couple of new professional hop.
This time promises high stakes, dazzling performances, and some unanticipated twists. With judges back in their seats and 15 celebrities set to contend for the coveted Glitterball, excitement is reaching fever pitch.
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start?
The eagerly-awaited launch show is listed for Saturday, 20 September at 6.40 pm on BBC One.
“This episode will introduce viewers to the 15 celebrities hoping to lift the Glitterball,” the BBC confirmed.
For those who miss the live broadcast, the launch will be available on BBC iPlayer, allowing suckers to catch up at their convenience.
The show will also reveal the professional mates for each celebrity, setting the stage for a season of glamour, sweat, and high-energy routines.
#Strictly fans, get your dancing shoes on – the official photo of the 2025 cast has just been released!
Just a week to go until Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday 20th September. pic.twitter.com/PKvD0ZQ8Pb
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) September 13, 2025
Celebrity Line-Up: Who Will Be Competing?
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – Former Olympian and Team GB sprinter, also known to fans as Nitro from Gladiators.
- Dani Dyer – Podcaster, author, and mother of three. Many remember her from Love Island and as the daughter of Danny Dyer.
- Alex Kingston – Award-winning actor, famed for Doctor Who as River Song.
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – Ex-footballer and Premier League goal machine.
- Balvinder Sopal – Actress behind EastEnders’ Suki Panesar.
- George Clarke – YouTube personality, podcaster, and self-proclaimed klutz: he joked he’s ready to “fall over a fair bit.”
- La Voix – Performer, singer, and BBC RuPaul’s Drag Race 2024 finalist.
- Chris Robshaw – Former England rugby captain, whose mum “can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class.”
- Ellie Goldstein – Model and influencer, first with Down syndrome to feature on British Vogue’s cover.
- Thomas Skinner – Entrepreneur, The Apprentice alum, recently in the headlines for walking out of a Strictly interview.
- Vicky Pattison – Former Geordie Shore star, ex-Queen of the Jungle, presenter, podcaster, and radio host.
- Stefan Dennis – Neighbours legend, taking a leap outside his comfort zone.
- Ross King – ITV’s Lorraine showbiz correspondent, hoping to “not step on too many toes.”
- Karen Carney – Ex-footballer turned pundit for men’s and women’s football across ITV and TNT.
- Lewis Cope – Emmerdale actor stepping in for Kristian Nairn.
Returning Professional Dancers
Fans can expect familiar faces on the dance floor. Professionals returning include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin.
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola.
Notably, Gorka Marquez will not have a celebrity partner this season but will feature in group routines.
New Professionals Joining the Line-Up
This year welcomes two new pros:
Alexis Warr – Hailing from the US, Alexis won So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and has appeared on Dancing With the Stars in America.
Julian Caillon – Australian-born, ballroom and Latin dancer since age 10, who has competed on Australia’s version of Strictly Come Dancing and completed two triathlons this year.
Judging Panel
Returning judges bring expertise and a touch of drama.
Shirley Ballas – Head judge, ready to offer her sharp critiques.
Craig Revel Horwood – Longest-serving judge, never shy with his honesty.
Motsi Mabuse – Back to evaluate the routines with flair.
Anton Du Beke – Former professional dancer joining the panel, adding an insider perspective.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 promises a blend of glitz, glamour, and gritty competition. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, this series looks set to sweep the nation off its feet.
