Meet the class of Strictly Come Dancing 2025
From Irish stars of Game of Thrones to Australian icons from Neighbours to fan-favourite Love Island winners, there's someone for everyone this season.
Check out the full list of the 15 celebraties who are about to be put through their paces on Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Pic: BBC
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators who appeared in the Strictly Christmas Special in 2024.
Speaking on his return to the dance floor, he said: '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.' Dani Dyer. Pic: BBC
Dani Dyer is a TV personality known for her appearance on Love Island, az well as a broadcaster, author and mother of three.
Speaking of her new role, she shared: '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.' Alex Kingston. Pic: BBC
Alex Kingston is an award-winning actor and star of stage and screen who's probably most well known for her roles in Doctor Who and ER.
All she had to say about joining the Strictly Come Dancing class of 2025 was: 'Aaaaagghhh!!!!!' Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Pic: BBC
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a former professional footballer and football manager who is looking forward to tackling the Strictly Ballroom.
He said: '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.' Balvinder Sopal. Pic: BBC
Balvinder Sopal is an actor whose most recent role is likely her most known one: She plays the infamous Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders.
She shared: 'Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen.
'Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of.
'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!' George Clarke. Pic: BBC
George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star who is shocked he's joining the dance competition.
He said: '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… and potentially fall over a fair bit.' La Voix. Pic: BBC
The iconic drag performer, La Voix, was already known in the gay community before they appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK and as she finished 2nd, she's aiming for the trophy this time.
La Voix shared: 'I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV.
'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.' Chris Robshaw. Pic: BBC
Chris Robshaw is a former England rugby union player and captain who said he's 'about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets!'
'I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.' Ellie Goldstein. Pic: BBC
Ellie is a trailblazing model, actor and influencer, who in 2023 made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue.
Speaking on her newest achievement, she shared: 'I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year.
'It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.
'I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!' Thomas Skinner. Pic: BBC
Thomas Skinner is a TV personality, social media star and businessman who appeared as a contestant on The Apprentice.
He shared: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!
'I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!' Vicky Pattison. Pic: BBC
Vicky Pattison is a TV presenter, author, podcast and radio host, and former Queen of the Jungle.
Speaking on the news she's joining Strictly Come Dancing, she shared: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup… but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified.
'I am a not a natural dancer! However, it's such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself!' Stefan Dennis. Pic: BBC
Stefan Dennis is an actor, known to millions as Paul Robinson from Neighbours, which just finished up with its series finale.
'This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky,' he said. Ross King. Pic: BBC
Ross King is a presenter and writer, who has appearwd on ITV's Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles Correspondent.
He said: 'From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom — it's a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show.
'I can't wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!
'Let's give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: 'You'll never know till you give it a go!' Karen Carney. Pic: BBC
Karen Carney is a former footballer who played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and England, and is now the lead female pundit for both men's and women's football.
She said: 'It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line up.
'I'm such a huge fan of the show and I can't believe I'm finally getting the chance to take part. I'm so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!' Kristian Nairn. Pic: BBC
Known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones, Kristian Nairn has turned his hand to DJ-ing in recent years, and released an autobiography.
Speaking on his casting, he shared: 'This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I'm ready to rise to it!
'It's a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!'
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