IT’S that time again, where viewers at home dust off their imaginary judging paddles in anticipation for another series of ballroom dancing.
As Strictly Come Dancing returns to our screens, here is everything you need to know about the 23rd season of the hit BBC show.
When is Strictly 2025 starting?
The ballroom-bonanza will kick off on Saturday 20th September with the usual pre-recorded launch show.
The new batch of celebrities will be paired with their professional partner and also take to the floor for the first time for a group routine.
In previous years, Strictly Come Dancing fans would have to wait weeks to see the show fully get underway, but in recent series, the Saturday live shows take place a week after the launch.
As is usual, the first live show won’t feature anyone leaving the contest and as such, the first pre-recorded Sunday results show will be screened on Sunday 5th October.
This year’s line-up has already come with its challenges following a major set-back for producers.
What is the Strictly 2025 line-up.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro)
The Gladiators star, 36, proved he wasn’t just brawn when he took part in the Christmas special last year.
Nitro – real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey – has been a Strictly target for some time, and finally, he is part of the series line-up.
Speaking about taking part he said he was “buzzing” and “couldn’t wait”.
Dani Dyer
The Love Island sensation is set to light up the dancefloor with her cheeky personality.
The Strictly stint will complete a huge year for 28-year-old Dani after she married West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen.
And in an added boost for fans of the show, there’s sure to be many Danny Dyer cameos in the crowd as he cheers on his daughter.
Stefan Dennis
Actor Stefan, 66, is free to take on the Strictly challenge after Neighbours recently wrapped its final scenes.
The Aussie star has played Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985.
George Clarke
Not to be confused with the Channel 4 presenter of the same name, George is a YouTube star who also hosts the Useless Hotline podcast.
Online sensation George is hoping to boost his profile through Strictly in similar fashion to previous contestants Joe Sugg and Saffron Barker.
Vicky Pattison
One of TV’s best-loved stars, Vicky Pattison, shot to fame 14 years ago on Geordie Shore in her early 20s.
The 37-year-old loves a challenge and won the 2015 series of I’m a Celebrity, but can she transfer those reality winning ways to the ballroom?
La Voix
La Voix – real name Chris Dennis – confessed that despite an extensive performing career, she is not known for being a dancing Queen.
The Stockton-On-Tees star was runner-up on the sixth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and said she’s always managed to avoid choreographed routines.
Balvinder Sopal
Strictly and EastEnders go hand-in-hand, and this year’s line-up includes one of the soaps biggest stars.
Actress Balvinder, 46, is best known for playing Suki Panesar and will follow in a line of successful Albert Square stars.
Ellie Goldstein
Essex-born Ellie is the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in a full Strictly series, after CBeebies presenter George Webster performed in the 2022 Christmas special.
The model’s parents were told she would never be able to walk or talk after she was born, but she has defied the odds.
Ellie began modelling as a teen and has worked with global brands including Victoria’s Secret, Adidas and Gucci.
In 2023 she became the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue and was honoured with her own Barbie doll, now sold worldwide.
Chris Robshaw
Former England rugby captain Chris, 35, was a powerhouse on the pitch and will now put his muscles to good use by flinging his pro partner around.
The married father-of-two isn’t the first rugby hunk to tackle the show.
Matt Dawson finished second in 2006 with partner Lilia Kopylova, in 2007 Kenny Logan finished in fifth place with partner Ola Jordan and Austin Healey made it to the quarter finals in 2008 with Erin Boag.
While Ben Cohen had less success, making it to week 11 with Kristina Rihanoff.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Chelsea goal-scoring legend Jimmy is swapping his studs for dance pumps.
The former Premier League star is a big personality and will be a hit with nostalgic footie fans of the 90s.
He follows in the fancy footsteps of a string of former players to appear on Strictly, including ex-Arsenal and England stars Tony Adams and Paul Merson.
Alex Kingston
Strictly has had its share of behind-the-scenes issues in recent years, but that hasn’t put of actress Alex from wanting to do the show.
The 62-year-old “jumped at the chance” after her pal Sarah Hadland finished as runner-up last year.
Alex was in US medical drama ER from 1997 to 2005, starring with George Clooney.
And in Doctor Who she played the Time Lord’s wife River Song.
Tom Skinner
The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, 34, will take to the dancefloor for the new series.
Thomas joined host Sam Thompson on Hits Radio to announce the exciting news, after The Sun first revealed in May that he had signed up.
Ross King
Good Morning Britain‘s man on the ground in Hollywood, Ross King, has been confirmed for Strictly.
He jetted into the UK yesterday and announced the news on Lorraine this morning.
The popular Scotsman teared up as he spoke with Ranvir Singh, admitting he was a huge fan of the show.
Karen Carney
Former footballer Karen Carney is taking to the dancefloor.
The 38-year-old, who played for Birmingham and Arsenal, is now a well-loved football pundit for on TNT Sports, Sky Sports, ITV and Amazon Prime.
She retired from football in 2019 after being named player of the year for Chelsea.
Lewis Cope
The Emmerdale star replaced Game Of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn who quit Strictly Come Dancing over “unexpected medical reasons”.
Lewis has years of dance training and even as a late rival has become a frontrunner for doing well on the show.
Who won Strictly last year?
Fans will be overjoyed to rewatch last year’s winning couple, who will be taking to the floor once again.
Last year’s champion was comedian Chris McCausland who was partnered with Dianne Buswell.
As with tradition, the reigning champions take to the dance floor again to welcome the new arrivals.
Chris made history by becoming the first blind contestant to be on the show and then subsequently win it.
They will most likely perform their emotional routine to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.