Full Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line up as final two stars are revealed

The Sun

5 days ago

STRICTLY Come Dancing's glittering 2025 line-up has been revealed, with football ace Karen Carney and Game of Thrones' Kristian Nairn completing the 15 famous faces.
BBC bosses have gone all out to put together the star-studded collection of celebs, most of who are big household names.
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And among them, though they don't know it yet, is the successor to last year's champion, comedian Chris McCausland.
Here are all the stars who will soon be donning sequins and dancing shoes and waltzing into the ballroom:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro)
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The Gladiators star, 36, proved he wasn't just brawn when he took part in the Christmas special last year.
BBC bosses have targeted Nitro - real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey - for Strictly for some time and this his schedule finally allowed for it to happen.
Speaking about taking part he said he was "buzzing" and "couldn't wait".
A source told us: "Strictly and Nitro were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work.
'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps.
"Producers were also impressed with his dancing."
Dani Dyer
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Dani became the nation's sweetheart in the Love Island villa and, now that rules surrounding reality stars have been relaxed, she's set to light up the dancefloor with her cheeky personality.
The Strictly stint will complete a huge year for the 28-year-old after she married West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen.
And in an added boost for fans of the show, there's sure to be many Danny Dyer cameos in the crowd as he cheers on his daughter.
The mum-of-three is no stranger to winning either, after scooping the £50,000 Love Island prize with ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham in 2018.
Stefan Dennis
Actor Stefan, 66, is free to take on the Strictly challenge after Neighbours recently wrapped its final scenes.
The Aussie star has played Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985.
His fellow soap veteran Alan Fletcher, who plays Dr Karl Kennedy, has backed Stefan to do well on the dancefloor, telling The Sun: "He's a very talented bloke, Stefan, and he can turn his hand to anything."
George Clarke
Not to be confused with the Channel 4 presenter of the same name, George is a YouTube sensation who also hosts the Useless Hotline podcast.
Online sensation George is hoping to boost his profile through Strictly in similar fashion to Joe Sugg and Saffron Barker.
The social media star has amassed millions of followers across all online platforms, including TikTok.
Speaking about joining the hit BBC series, the charismatic chap 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.'
Vicky Pattison
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Grafter Vicky has become one of TV's best loved stars 14 years after finding fame on Geordie Shore in her early 20s.
The 37-year-old loves a challenge and won the 2015 series of I'm a Celebrity, but the dancefloor is a different proposition altogether.
She previously said: 'I've done my fair share of reality TV and I'd never say never to anything but I'm not a dancer, at all.'
Her close pal Pete Wicks will be on hand to share tips and tricks after becoming a fan favourite on last year's series.
La Voix
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La Voix - real name Chris Dennis - confessed that despite an extensive performing career, she is not known for being a dancing Queen.
The Stockton-On-Tees star was runner-up on the sixth series of RuPaul 's Drag Race UK, and said she's always managed to avoid choreographed routines.
She told Radio 2's Scott Mills: "I can't dance, I've always said it's not my thing.
"I've managed to get through 20 years of being on stage by standing in the centre and having dancers choreographed around me, now I can't hide behind that any more."
Despite her reservations, La Voix said it was "very exciting".
Balvinder Sopal
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Actress Balvinder, 46, is best known for playing EastEnders ' Suki Panesar.
The pressure is on giving the success other Albert Square stars have had on the show.
The likes of Jamie Borthwick, Kellie Bright and Jake Wood have been a hit with the judges and audience.
A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans.
'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.'
Ellie Goldstein
Essex-born Ellie is the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in a full Strictly series, after CBeebies presenter George Webster performed in the 2022 Christmas special.
The model's parents were told she would never be able to walk or talk after she was born, but she has defied the odds.
Ellie began modelling as a teen and has worked with global brands including Victoria's Secret, Adidas and Gucci.
In 2023 she became the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue and was honoured with her own Barbie doll, now sold worldwide.
Ellie told BBC Breakfast that her family are "very supportive" of her being on Strictly, but that she found it "hard" keeping it a secret from them.
Chris Robshaw
Former England rugby captain Chris, 35, was a powerhouse on the pitch and will now put his muscles to good use by flinging his pro partner around.
The married father-of-two isn't the first rugby hunk to tackle the show.
Matt Dawson finished second in 2006 with partner Lilia Kopylova, in 2007 Kenny Logan finished in fifth place with partner Ola Jordan and Austin Healey made it to the quarter finals in 2008 with Erin Boag.
While Ben Cohen had less success, making it to week 11 with Kristina Rihanoff.
A TV insider said 6ft 2ins Chris is likely to be paired with Nadiya Bychkova.
They added: 'But as a former rugby star he'll also have some big dance shoes to fill as plenty of other players have gone onto Strictly and done remarkably well.'
He was encouraged to take part by singer wife Camilla Kerslake. Chris told Scott Mills: "My wife said 'when was the last time you put yourself out of comfort zone and put fear into you?'
"It's daunting and great to test yourself, but I've got two left feet."
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Chelsea goal scoring legend Jimmy is swapping his studs for dance pumps.
The former Premier League star is a big personality and will be a hit with nostalgic footy fans of the 90s.
More recently Jimmy was part of Gareth Southgate 's backroom team when the Three Lions came agonisingly close to Euros glory against Spain last year.
He follows in the fancy footsteps of a string of former players to appear on Strictly, including ex- Arsenal and England stars Tony Adams and Paul Merson.
A TV source said: 'Show producers are always keen to book a retired footballer as it gets footie fans tuning into the series and becoming unlikely fans of the show."
Alex Kingston
Strictly has had its share of behind the scenes issues in recent years, but that hasn't put of actress Alex from wanting to do the show.
The 62-year-old 'jumped at the chance' after her pal Sarah Hadland finished as runner-up last year.
A source told us: 'It's the first time Alex has done a reality show of any kind, but she's a huge fan of the show and couldn't resist the opportunity.'
Alex was in US medical drama ER from 1997 to 2005, starring with George Clooney.
And in Doctor Who she played the Time Lord's wife River Song.
In 2019, she said: 'Sarah Hadland and I talked about how much we'd like to do Strictly Come Dancing.
'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!'
Tom Skinner
The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner for the new series.
The TV personality, 34, is set to dazzle BBC viewers with their moves as he takes to the dancefloor later this year.
Thomas joined host Sam Thompson on Hits Radio to announce the exciting news, after The Sun first revealed in May that he had signed up.
He said: "I'm so looking forward to it, I'm excited, I'm buzzing.
"I cannot dance but I'm going to learn how to dance, I'm going to try and win it.
"It's my mum's favourite show, my mum absolutely loves it. I told a couple of my mates, none of them believed me.
"It's something completely out of my comfort zone.
"I'm going to be putting on the outfits, learning how to dance and just try my best."
Ross King
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Good Morning Britain 's man on the ground in Hollywood, Ross King, has been confirmed for Strictly.
He jetted into the UK yesterday and announced the news on Lorraine this morning.
The popular Scotsman teared up as he spoke with Ranvir Singh, admitting he was a huge fan of the show.
Karen Carney
Former footballer Karen Carney is taking to the dancefloor.
The 38-year-old, who played for Birmingham and Arsenal, is now a well-loved football pundit for on TNT Sports, Sky Sports, ITV and Amazon Prime.
She retired from football in 2019 after being named player of the year for Chelsea.
Karen admitted even her family didn't know she is doing it, nor does former Strictly star Alex Scott, Karen's footy roommate of 13 years.
Speaking on Radio 2, she said: "I think I've got a little bit of rhythm, I did some dancing as a kid, but it's very different."
Kristian Nairn
Game of Thrones and DJ Kristian Nairn is confirmed for Strictly.
The actor, who played Hodor in the fantasy epic, said on Radio 2 today: "I love dance, I love movement."
Kristian, who is 6ft 9ins, admitted sweat is pouring off him and he's "stressed to the max".