The glittering world of ballroom is once again abuzz as Strictly Come Dancing unveiled its latest batch of celebrity contestants for the much-anticipated 2025 series. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the BBC announced that EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal would be joining the lineup as the fifth confirmed contestant, a revelation made live on ITV’s Good Morning Britain from the heart of Albert Square itself. Sopal, 46, is best known for her gripping portrayal of Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on the enduring British soap EastEnders since 2019, where she has been at the center of some of the show’s most dramatic storylines.
“Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of,” Sopal told viewers, her excitement palpable. “Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!” she added, according to BBC and Daily Mail reports.
Sopal’s character, Suki, has captivated audiences with storylines ranging from escaping her abusive husband Nish (played by Navin Chowdhry) to her complex relationship with Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) and her involvement in the notorious group ‘The Six.’ Sopal’s acting career, however, extends far beyond Albert Square. She’s made appearances in beloved British dramas such as Call The Midwife, Doctors, and Waterloo Road, building a reputation for versatility on both stage and screen.
During her live announcement, Sopal revealed she’s no stranger to the dance floor. “I dabbled a little bit. I did ballroom and Latin as a kind of hobby, and I really love it. And I think when you’ve got a passion for something, you’re naturally kind of inclined to enjoy it,” she confessed on Good Morning Britain. “So I’ll definitely enjoy it. I don’t know if I’ll be any good!” she chuckled, admitting to a case of butterflies at the thought of performing on national television.
Sopal isn’t alone in her anticipation. She joins a star-studded cast that promises a season full of surprises and diverse talents. Among the confirmed contestants is Dani Dyer, the 29-year-old daughter of EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, who shot to fame as the winner of Love Island in 2018. Dyer, who recently married footballer Jarrod Bowen, expressed her own excitement: “Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.”
Another household name is Alex Kingston, 62, whose acting credentials span iconic roles such as Elizabeth Corday in ER and River Song in Doctor Who. Kingston revealed she was inspired to take the plunge after her close friend, Miranda star Sarah Hadland, finished as runner-up in last year’s Strictly series. “Sarah Hadland and I talked about how much we'd like to do Strictly Come Dancing,” Kingston said. “Then I discovered she's a trained ballet dancer. ‘Hang on a minute! That's not fair!’ So, I can't do it on a season when she is on it!” she joked, but this year, the timing was finally right.
Sports fans will recognize Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, the former Dutch football star and current assistant coach for England’s national football team. Hasselbaink admitted the dance floor will be a new experience: “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.”
Completing the current roster is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, a multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter and star of the BBC’s Gladiators reboot, where he’s known as Nitro. Aikines-Aryeetey previously competed in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu. “After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track,” he said, according to Daily Mail.
The latest addition to the lineup, announced on August 12, is George Clarke, a 25-year-old British YouTuber, podcaster, and social media star. Clarke approached the announcement with humor: “Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in.”
As with every season, speculation is rife about who will join the cast next. The remaining contestants will be announced throughout August, with rumors swirling around names like Olympic legend Mo Farah and Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon. The BBC has yet to confirm these additions, but the anticipation only adds to the show’s annual buzz.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is set to air on BBC One from September through December, promising months of sequined spectacle, dramatic eliminations, and, if history is any guide, a few viral dance moments. The show’s enduring popularity is built on its unique ability to blend celebrities from every walk of life—actors, athletes, TV personalities, and now digital stars—into a single, glittering competition that captures the nation’s imagination.
Of course, this year’s series arrives amid a swirl of controversy for the BBC and Strictly itself. Recent reports from Daily Mail and The Sun have detailed a string of scandals, including allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior by unnamed cast members. The broadcaster has responded by hiring a law firm to investigate, and a spokesperson told Daily Mail: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”
Despite these challenges, the excitement for the new season remains undimmed. Past controversies and behind-the-scenes drama have never managed to overshadow the show’s central appeal: watching familiar faces step out of their comfort zones and into the bright lights of the ballroom. For Sopal and her fellow contestants, the journey ahead is as daunting as it is thrilling. As Sopal herself put it, “When you've got a passion for something, you're more inclined to enjoy it.”
With its blend of glitz, competition, and real human stories, Strictly Come Dancing 2025 looks set to deliver yet another unforgettable season—one that will keep fans glued to their screens from the first cha-cha to the final waltz.
