Strictly Come Dancing will return for its 23rd series in 2025, as the BBC confirms exciting details about the beloved dance competition. For over two decades, the reality series has captivated audiences, showcasing celebrities who brave the ballroom floor in hopes of winning the coveted glitterball trophy. This year, a lineup of professional dancers has been revealed, promising another thrilling season of dazzling performances.
The BBC has announced that 19 professionals will be part of the 2025 edition, including returning favorites such as Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola. Additionally, the show will introduce two brand new professional dancers, whose names will be revealed closer to the show's return.
Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, expressed her enthusiasm: “The excitement is already building ahead of the new series, and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the lineup who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, emphasized the importance of the professional dancers, stating: "The Strictly professional dancers are the beating heart of the programme, showcasing to viewers in every corner of the UK their world-class talent by lighting up the famous Strictly ballroom every Saturday and Sunday night. Here’s to another fab-u-lous series!"
While the professional lineup has been confirmed, the judging panel remains uncertain. It is anticipated that Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will return, joining head judge Shirley Ballas once again. The BBC will announce the official judging panel in due course.
The exact air date for the 2025 edition of Strictly Come Dancing has not yet been confirmed, but the show is expected to return in the Autumn, likely around September, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Historically, the series has begun airing in September, so fans can anticipate a similar timeline this year.
As for the celebrity contestants, the BBC has not yet disclosed the lineup. Typically, details about the famous faces joining the program are revealed in the weeks leading up to the show's premiere, suggesting that viewers can expect announcements in late Summer 2025. Speculation will undoubtedly swirl around potential participants, as is customary for the popular series.
In the previous season, Dianne Buswell won the glitterball trophy alongside her partner, comedian Chris McCausland, making her return highly anticipated. Other returning professionals include Katya Jones, Jowita Przystal, and Kai Widdrington, all of whom have become fan favorites over the years.
Notably absent from the lineup is Giovanni Pernice, who left the show last June amid accusations of abusive behavior by his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington. Although he was cleared of the more serious allegations following a BBC investigation, he will not be part of the 2025 series.
Amy Dowden, who had to withdraw from the previous competition due to a foot injury, is set to make her comeback. Other returning dancers include Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola. The lineup remains unchanged from the previous year, with no professionals being removed.
Strictly Come Dancing first graced television screens in 2004 and has since crowned 21 winners, each taking home the iconic glitterball trophy. The list of champions includes notable names like Natasha Kaplinsky, Alesha Dixon, and Bill Bailey, among others. The show's enduring popularity can be attributed to its blend of celebrity culture, competitive spirit, and the sheer joy of dance.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 series, fans can look forward to more than just dance routines. The show has a knack for creating memorable moments, emotional stories, and, of course, the occasional scandal. The return of the professional dancers, alongside new faces, promises to keep viewers engaged and entertained.
Strictly Come Dancing has become a staple of British television, drawing millions of viewers each week and fostering a dedicated fan base. The excitement surrounding the upcoming series is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to see their favorite celebrities take to the dance floor once again. As the BBC prepares for another season, the stage is set for a spectacular display of talent, drama, and unforgettable performances.
With the professional dancers confirmed and the judging panel expected to be announced soon, all eyes will be on the BBC as they gear up for the launch of the 2025 edition of Strictly Come Dancing. Fans will be counting down the days until they can witness the magic unfold in the iconic ballroom once more.
