Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Start Date ‘Leaked’, Fans Voice Concerns Over Late Scheduling
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been buzzing after rumours surfaced about the show’s start date for 2025, with claims that the new series could begin later than usual.
According to reports circulating on X (formerly Twitter), the BBC ballroom hit is expected to kick off on 20 September, a full week later than previous years.
TV Zone shared the update, stating, “FYI – this year’s Strictly is a week later than recent series, with the show launching on September 20. Hence, no celebrity reveals just yet.” The first live show is reportedly scheduled for Saturday, 27 September.
To put this in perspective, last year’s first live show aired on 21 September, with the series launching a week earlier on 14 September. In 2023, the show began on 23 September, according to reports from the Express.
This shift has stirred some unease among fans on social media, who worry the later finish date will push the final dangerously close to Christmas. Many expressed concern that this could cut into the precious holiday time for the celebrities and professional dancers involved.
One fan tweeted, “Why so late? Does that mean the final will be closer to Christmas then? I just want the celebrity announcements.”
Another added, “Yes, it’s less than a week before Christmas, which has me worried that the pros are going to be in a hurry to go and see their families around the world… I hope they were made aware of this when they renewed their contracts.”
A third pointed out, “Final will be on Saturday December 20, 2025, just 5 days before Christmas.”
Despite the schedule changes, the BBC has confirmed that the judging panel remains unchanged. Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and head judge Shirley Ballas will all return for the new series.
There will also be fresh faces joining the dance floor. Professionals Julian Cailon and Alexis Warr are set to make their Strictly debuts this year.
Adding to the excitement, the first celebrity contestant for 2025 was announced earlier today. Olympic champion and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be stepping onto the Strictly dancefloor this autumn, as revealed on Newsround.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September. Fans will be watching closely as the countdown begins to another season of dazzling performances and fierce competition.
