The glittering world of ballroom and Latin has once again burst onto British television screens, as Strictly Come Dancing returned for its 21st season on September 20, 2025. The much-anticipated launch show, hosted by the ever-glamorous Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, introduced viewers to a fresh lineup of 15 celebrities and their professional dance partners, setting the stage for 13 weeks of sequins, drama, and electrifying routines. This year’s series, according to BBC News, promises not just the familiar sparkle but also a handful of headline-making firsts, emotional comebacks, and a few surprises bound to keep fans talking until the grand finale on December 20.
Right from the start, the excitement was palpable. The launch show saw celebrities meeting their professional partners for the first time—a Strictly tradition that never fails to deliver moments of nerves, joy, and the occasional awkward hug. The event also featured special performances from last year’s champions, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, who recreated their Bafta-winning waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Pop star Jessie J, herself recently diagnosed with breast cancer, returned to the spotlight with her new single and a rallying cry: “Strictly, are you ready to dance?” she asked, igniting the studio audience. Jessie J’s onstage reunion with Amy Dowden, who missed the 2023 series due to her own cancer diagnosis, was a poignant reminder of the personal journeys that often run alongside the show’s glittering spectacle.
This year’s cast of celebrities reads like a who’s who of British entertainment. Among the stars are Doctor Who and ER actress Alex Kingston, reality TV favorite Vicky Pattison, model Ellie Goldstein, former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, and former Lioness Karen Carney. Each celebrity has been paired with a professional dancer, and the chemistry—or lack thereof—between the couples is already generating buzz. Kingston, inspired to join after her friend Sarah Hadland finished as runner-up in 2024, was matched with Johannes Radebe, whom she described as her “number one.” As The Independent reported, Kingston said, “I was inspired to join the show after seeing my friend, Miranda actor Sarah Hadland, finish as a runner-up on the 2024 series.”
But it’s not just the celebrities who are making waves. Two new professional dancers, American ballroom star Alexis Warr and Australian Julian Caillon, have joined the Strictly family, each securing a celebrity partner in their very first year. Warr will be dancing with YouTuber George Clarke, while Caillon is paired with EastEnders actor Balvinder Sopal. Sopal, overcome with emotion, called her participation “a dream come true” before learning she would dance with Caillon. These new additions bring fresh energy and international flair to the line-up, and fans are eager to see how they’ll fare under the studio lights.
Of course, not every professional dancer gets a celebrity partner each year. Fan favorites like Luba Mushtuk, Nancy Xu, Gorka Marquez, Neil Jones, and Michelle Tsiakkas will be sitting out the main competition but remain integral to the show, taking center stage in the group dances. As always, the judging panel remains unchanged, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas returning to offer their signature blend of praise, critique, and the occasional zinger. As Craig Revel Horwood put it during the launch, these new pairings are “FAB-U-LOUS.”
Among the couples, some have already found themselves in the spotlight for reasons beyond their dancing. Thomas Skinner, the outspoken Apprentice star, has been the subject of tabloid attention since joining the cast. Paired with Amy Dowden, who is making a triumphant return after her cancer battle, Skinner admitted, “I hope you can teach me a few moves because I’m useless at the minute.” According to BBC News, Skinner also apologized for leaving a news conference early and picking up a journalist’s phone—a minor scandal that only added to his notoriety. Despite the headlines, Skinner declared he was “over the moon” to be partnered with Dowden, who herself is eager to reclaim her place on the Strictly stage after missing last year due to illness.
Another trailblazing partnership is that of Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell. Buswell, who is pregnant with her first child, becomes the first ever pregnant professional to compete on the show. Dennis showed up to their first rehearsal with a baby boy balloon and a teddy bear to congratulate his partner—a sweet gesture that set a warm tone for their “Aussie dream team.” Buswell’s participation is a testament to the show’s evolving inclusivity, and her journey will be closely watched by fans and fellow dancers alike.
Representation is also front and center with model Ellie Goldstein, the first person with Down’s syndrome to compete on the main series of Strictly. Goldstein is paired with Vito Coppola, and the two have already charmed audiences with a “secret handshake” during the launch show. Goldstein’s participation is widely seen as a milestone for disability visibility on prime-time television, and her excitement is infectious. “She’s incredibly excited, even if he wasn’t her first choice,” The Independent noted, referencing Goldstein’s candid admission on Good Morning Britain that she had hoped for a different partner.
Other notable pairings include Vicky Pattison with Kai Widdrington, Chris Robshaw with Nadiya Bychkova, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with Karen Hauer, and Dani Dyer with Nikita Kuzmin. Each couple brings its own story, from former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s hopes to “score points for his moves” to Ross King’s self-deprecating humor, telling his partner Jowita Przystal, “you drew the short straw.” The variety of backgrounds—sports, acting, reality TV, and beyond—ensures there’s someone for every viewer to root for.
This season also sees a significant change in how viewers can support their favorites. The BBC announced that, for the first time, phone voting will be replaced by a fully online model. “Premium-rate phone voting is now an outdated system and also expensive to run,” the broadcaster explained. The move is expected to streamline the voting process and make participation more accessible, though it marks the end of an era for those who relished the ritual of dialing in their votes.
Not all the news has been celebratory. Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn, originally slated to compete, was forced to withdraw before the show began due to medical reasons. While fans expressed disappointment, the competition remains fierce, and the absence of one star has only heightened anticipation for the remaining contestants.
With the stage set, the costumes ready, and the Glitterball trophy gleaming in the distance, Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable season. Whether it’s the thrill of a flawless quickstep, the drama of a judge’s critique, or the heartwarming stories behind the scenes, viewers are in for a ride. And as always, the real magic will unfold live, week after week, as Britain’s favorite dance show waltzes toward its dazzling December finale.
