The glittering world of ballroom is set to return to British television screens as Strictly Come Dancing launches its highly anticipated 2025 season this Saturday, September 20. The pre-recorded launch show, airing at 6:40pm BST on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, promises to kick off a new era of sequins, samba, and spectacle. With a star-studded line-up and a few surprises in store, fans across the UK and beyond are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable series.
According to Radio Times and The Independent, this year’s launch show was filmed on September 10, making it the only episode of the series not broadcast live. The nearly two-hour episode, finishing at 8:30pm and followed by Michael McIntyre’s 25th Year Stand-Up Special, will serve as the official introduction of celebrity contestants to their professional dance partners—a moment that has become a cornerstone of the show’s enduring appeal.
The 2025 cast reads like a who’s who of British pop culture, featuring Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, TikTok sensation George Clarke, Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison, rugby player Chris Robshaw, Gladiators champion Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dutch football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn, former England footballer Karen Carney, and Good Morning Britain presenter Ross King. In total, 15 celebrities will be vying for the coveted Glitterball Trophy this year, according to The Independent.
But the launch show is about more than just introductions. As is tradition, viewers can expect a musical performance from chart-topper Jessie J, while last year’s winners, comedian Chris McCausland and professional dancer Dianne Buswell, will return to the ballroom floor for a celebratory dance. It’s a chance for fans to relive the magic of past seasons while getting a taste of what’s to come.
Ahead of the launch, the BBC has confirmed that each celebrity will be paired with their professional partner in a signature pre-recorded reveal, often staged in a location meaningful to the star. This touch of personal storytelling, as reported by Radio Times, has become a hallmark of the show, building anticipation and giving fans a glimpse into the personalities behind the sequins.
The excitement doesn’t end with the launch show. The first live episode will air the following Saturday, September 27, marking the start of the weekly dance competition. The tension will ramp up further with the inaugural Sunday results show, scheduled for October 5, when the first celebrity will be eliminated. Looking ahead, the iconic Blackpool week—a highlight of every series—will take place on November 22 in the legendary Tower Ballroom, while the grand final is set for December 20, just days before Christmas.
Not all the pre-show buzz has been positive, however. This year’s line-up has already sparked some controversy, particularly around the inclusion of former The Apprentice contestant and social media personality Thomas Skinner. Skinner, who recently met with US Vice President JD Vance and has been vocal about his political views on social media, has faced criticism for comments regarding the state of London and broader political issues. According to The Independent, Skinner stated online that it’s “not far-right” to be “flying your flag and loving your country” and expressed concerns about safety in London, describing the city as “hostile” and “tense.”
His casting has divided opinion among fans and commentators alike. The Independent’s Rachel McGrath questioned the BBC’s decision to “intentionally sign someone so divisive,” writing, “Strictly is now waltzing into another series with a controversy on its hands. And fans might be left wondering, whatever happened to the wholesome Saturday night show that was all about the dancing?” The BBC has not publicly responded to the criticism, but the debate has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the season’s build-up.
Despite the controversy, the core of Strictly Come Dancing remains unchanged: a celebration of dance, music, and the transformative journeys of its celebrity contestants. For many, the show is a cherished autumn tradition, a chance to escape into a world of glitz and glamour as the nights draw in. The return of familiar faces like Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell serves as a reminder of the show’s enduring appeal and the emotional connections it fosters with audiences.
The show’s format this year will stick closely to the tried-and-true formula that has made it a ratings juggernaut. Each week, celebrities and their professional partners will perform routines ranging from the waltz to the cha-cha, with judges and viewers alike weighing in. The stakes will rise as the weeks progress, culminating in the much-anticipated Blackpool special and, ultimately, the grand final, where one couple will lift the Glitterball Trophy.
For those unable to catch the launch show live, the BBC has ensured that the episode will be available on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast, making it easier than ever for fans to keep up with the action. It’s a nod to the show’s dedicated following, many of whom have made Strictly appointment viewing for years.
As the 2025 series prepares to launch, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation—and perhaps a bit of nervous energy—among contestants, professionals, and viewers alike. Will this year’s crop of celebrities live up to the high standards set by past seasons? Can the show navigate the challenges of modern celebrity culture and social media scrutiny while staying true to its roots? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain: when the opening notes of the theme music play on Saturday night, millions across the nation will be tuning in, ready to judge, cheer, and, perhaps, even dance along in their living rooms. Sequins at the ready—Strictly Come Dancing is back, and the ballroom awaits.
