The glitterball is officially back in play as Strictly Come Dancing waltzed back onto BBC One on September 20, 2025, launching its much-anticipated 2025 series with a dazzling display of sequins, new faces, and a palpable sense of excitement. The beloved dance competition, now entering its latest three-month run, introduced viewers to fifteen brand-new celebrity contestants, each nervously awaiting the moment they’d be paired with their professional dance partners. With two new pros joining the fray and a host of returning favorites, the stage is set for another season of jazz hands, unexpected mishaps, and, if history is any guide, a few tears—both of joy and frustration.
This year, the professional cast welcomes American ballroom star Alexis Warr and Australian dancer Julian Caillon, both making their Strictly debuts. According to The Independent, Warr has already made waves in the US, having appeared on Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent, while Caillon brings experience from Australia’s Dancing with the Stars and hit dance company Burn the Floor. Their arrival signals a fresh burst of energy in a show famous for its ability to reinvent itself while clinging to tradition.
The pairings themselves are a mix of the expected and the intriguing. Alex Kingston, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in ER and Doctor Who, is partnered with Johannes Radebe, a fan-favorite pro who’s been with the show since 2021. Kingston, inspired by her friend Sarah Hadland’s runner-up finish last year, said she’s ready to embrace the challenge. Radebe, whose previous partners include chef John Waite and tennis player Annabel Croft, brings experience and charisma to the floor.
Balvinder Sopal, who has played Suki Kaur Panesar on EastEnders since 2019, is matched with Julian Caillon. Sopal shared that appearing on Strictly has been a dream of hers for two decades. Their first dance? A samba to KC & The Sunshine Band’s “Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty),” according to Digital Spy. Caillon, new to British audiences, is eager to make his mark.
Sporting prowess is well represented this year. Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw is paired with Nadiya Bychkova, who’s been a mainstay since 2017. Robshaw quipped he’s ready to take his dad dancing “to a whole new level.” Meanwhile, Karen Carney OBE, England’s third most-capped footballer, is teamed with Carlos Gu, a Chinese National Champion who’s quickly become a series favorite since his 2022 debut.
Reality TV royalty Dani Dyer, best known for winning Love Island in 2018, is teamed up with Nikita Kuzmin, who reached last year’s final with Layton Williams. Dyer has since built a career as a presenter and podcast host, and she’s tackling the ballroom with her trademark enthusiasm. Meanwhile, influencer George Clarke—better known online as George Clarkey—joins Alexis Warr for what promises to be an entertaining journey. Clarke, who has millions of social media followers, admitted he’s prepared to “fall over a fair bit.”
One of the most groundbreaking pairings this year is model Ellie Goldstein with Vito Coppola. Goldstein, who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue, is now the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete on Strictly. According to BBC News, Goldstein has also appeared in campaigns for Gucci and authored two books. Coppola, who won the competition in 2023 with Ellie Leach, is eager to help Goldstein shine.
The sports world has further representation with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former Team GB sprinter and Gladiators star, who’s teamed with Karen Hauer, the show’s longest-serving female professional. Hauer, who lifted the glitterball with Jamie Laing in 2020, brings a wealth of experience to the partnership. Football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, now assistant coach for England’s national team, is paired with Lauren Oakley, who made a splash last year with broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
Other notable pairings include RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec, Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope and Katya Jones, and Good Morning Britain’s Ross King with Jowita Przystał. King, a four-time News Emmy winner, will kick things off with a cha cha cha to Katy Perry’s “California Girls.”
The competition also welcomes back familiar faces under new circumstances. Dianne Buswell, last year’s winning pro, is dancing with Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis. Buswell recently announced she’s expecting her first child with Joe Sugg but intends to keep dancing as planned. Meanwhile, Amy Dowden returns to the ballroom after missing two seasons due to breast cancer treatment and injury. She’s paired with Thomas Skinner, the former Apprentice contestant whose casting drew some controversy after he was seen wearing a Maga cap at a summer barbecue. Dowden, who joined Strictly in 2017, made it to the final in 2019 with Karim Zeroual and is beloved by fans for her resilience and positive spirit.
Geordie Shore alum Vicky Pattison is hoping to impress alongside Kai Widdrington, who made it to Blackpool week last year with Angela Rippon. Pattison, who won I’m a Celebrity in 2015 and has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, brings plenty of reality TV experience—but the ballroom is a whole new arena.
The launch show saw all couples take to the stage for a high-energy group dance, set to a mashup of Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “Apt.,” Charli XCX’s “Speed Drive,” and Chappell Roan’s “Hot To Go.” The chemistry and nerves were palpable, with judge Shirley Ballas offering sage advice: “Walk to the room with an optimistic attitude and leave your ego at the door.” We’ll see who manages to heed her words as the competition heats up.
Looking ahead, the first couples’ dances are set for Saturday, September 27, 2025. Strictly Come Dancing continues its regular schedule, airing on Saturdays with results shows on Sundays on BBC One, and the popular spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs weeknights on BBC Two. For those who can’t get enough, both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
With a diverse cast, historic firsts, and a blend of new and returning professionals, this year’s Strictly promises to be one of the most exciting yet. The glitter, the drama, the unexpected twists—viewers are in for a memorable thirteen weeks.
