For years, Italian television’s beloved dance competition Ballando con le stelle has delighted audiences with its glitz, drama, and surprising twists. Yet, the show’s twentieth season, set to launch in September 2025, is already stirring conversation—not just for its dazzling routines, but for the intriguing journeys of its contestants. What’s catching everyone’s attention? The growing phenomenon of celebrities who once graced the stage as guest stars, now returning as official competitors.
This transition from guest to competitor isn’t just a fluke or a clever one-off. According to Jumptheshark.it, it’s become a hallmark of the show’s evolving format. The 2025 cast, in particular, showcases this trend with several high-profile personalities making the leap—most notably, Barbara D’Urso and Fabio Fognini. Their stories, and those of others before them, offer a fascinating glimpse into the show’s inner workings and the strategies of its producers, especially the ever-resourceful Milly Carlucci.
Let’s rewind for a moment. For several seasons now, Paolo Belli—a regular face on Ballando con le stelle—has been known for his playful on-air attempts to convince guest dancers to sign a “contract” and join as full-fledged competitors the following year. What began as a running gag has, over time, morphed into something more substantial. As Jumptheshark.it notes, “the transition from guest to competitor on Ballando con le stelle is a growing phenomenon, especially noted in the 2025 season.”
Take Barbara D’Urso, for instance. Her passion for dance isn’t exactly a secret—rumors of her involvement with the show have circulated since at least 2018, though it wasn’t until the previous season that she finally appeared as a “Ballerina per una notte.” That one-off performance, it seems, was just the beginning. As reported by Jumptheshark.it, “Barbara D’Urso and Fabio Fognini, who were guests in previous editions, are now official competitors in the 2025 season.” D’Urso’s inclusion is being heralded as one of the most headline-grabbing moves orchestrated by Milly Carlucci in recent weeks. It’s a media coup that’s sure to draw both fans and skeptics eager to see how the former television host fares under the spotlight of competitive dance.
But D’Urso isn’t the only one making waves. Fabio Fognini, the celebrated Italian tennis player, followed a similar path. He appeared as a guest dancer during the semifinals on December 14, 2024—a performance that, in retrospect, seems almost prophetic. Since then, Fognini has retired from professional tennis after a hard-fought match against Carlos Alcaraz. That life change, as reported by Jumptheshark.it, “facilitated his participation as a competitor in the 2025 edition.” Now, Fognini is trading his tennis shoes for dancing shoes, a transformation that’s sure to intrigue both sports fans and dance enthusiasts alike.
The pattern doesn’t end with D’Urso and Fognini. History shows that this guest-to-competitor pipeline is well established. In 2022, for example, Paola Perego and Wanda Nara both appeared as “Ballerine per una notte.” The following year, they returned as official competitors, with Nara ultimately taking home the trophy. As Jumptheshark.it observed, “already in the past, guests of Ballando con le stelle have become competitors the following year.” Clearly, Milly Carlucci and her team have a knack for identifying talent—and for keeping viewers guessing about who might return for a shot at the title.
This season, the cast is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet. According to Jumptheshark.it, Carlucci “reportedly secured Barbara D’Urso and also engaged in negotiations with Belen Rodriguez for participation.” While Rodriguez’s involvement is still the subject of speculation, the mere possibility has fueled a flurry of chatter on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Carlucci’s ability to attract such high-profile names is a testament to the show’s enduring appeal and her own persuasive powers.
In a twist worthy of reality TV itself, Paolo Belli—longtime host and the man behind the infamous “contract” gag—has left his hosting duties to become a competitor. As reported by Jumptheshark.it, “Paolo Belli is noted to have left his hosting role to become a competitor in Ballando con le stelle.” This move completes what some are calling the ultimate full circle, raising the question: who will take his place as host, and will Belli’s insider knowledge give him an edge on the dance floor?
Of course, the guest-to-competitor transition isn’t limited to just a handful of stars. The show’s producers seem to be using the “Ballerino per una notte” format as a proving ground, giving celebrities a taste of the competition and viewers a chance to see new faces in action. As history has shown, these one-night-only performances often serve as auditions for future seasons. It’s a strategy that keeps the cast fresh and the audience invested, always wondering which guest might return for a shot at the mirrorball trophy.
The 2025 season also marks a milestone: it’s the twentieth edition of Ballando con le stelle. Over two decades, the show has evolved from a straightforward dance competition into a cultural phenomenon, blending elements of celebrity, sport, and spectacle. The tradition of inviting high-profile guests as dancers and then welcoming them back as competitors has become a unique calling card, setting the show apart from its international counterparts.
Even as the cast list continues to evolve, the show’s format remains a carefully calibrated mix of competition and entertainment. On October 12, 2024, for example, the third episode of the 2024 season featured not one but two guest dancers, a move that kept viewers guessing about future lineups. As movieplayer.it noted, “the third episode of Ballando con le stelle 2024 featured two guest dancers.” It’s a reminder that, in this show, surprises are always just around the corner.
With the new season on the horizon, all eyes are on the dance floor. Will Barbara D’Urso’s much-anticipated debut live up to the hype? Can Fabio Fognini channel his athletic prowess into ballroom brilliance? And what about Paolo Belli—will his experience as a host give him an advantage, or will the pressure of competition prove too much?
One thing’s for sure: Ballando con le stelle continues to reinvent itself, blending tradition with innovation and keeping audiences on their toes. As fans eagerly await September, the anticipation is palpable. The stage is set, the cast is assembled, and the dance—both literal and figurative—is about to begin.