
Dani Dyer is all smiles as she's seen for the first time stepping out in London after joining Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up
The Love Island star, 29, was announced as one of the latest celebrity in the line-up on Monday.
The following day, Dani was spotted leaving her first promotional interview at a property in north London.
The star looked effortlessly stylish in a white vest top paired with blue-and-white striped shorts.
She completed the look with black sliders, a pair of black metal-framed sunglasses, and a chic shearling bag.
Appearing in high spirits, Dani flashed a smile at the camera as she said goodbye to the production crew before heading to her next location.
The daughter of acting legend Danny Dyer, who wed husband Jarrod Bowen this year, shot to fame in 2018 on the ITV2 dating show when she bagged the £50k prize with Jack Fincham.
Speaking about taking part in the new series of Strictly, Dani said: '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.'
She joins a host of stars in the lineup which also includes actress Alex Kingston, 62, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 36.
Strictly's new series has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals.
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.
The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.
The publication have now reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year's show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours.
Over the weekend, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show's stars.
He told The Sun: 'The main partying is on site at Elstree after filming of the live show has finished. Boozing and drug taking goes on until 3am, sometimes 4am. The smoking area outside is a hive of activity. Cocaine gets taken there'.
He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, an unfazed senior producer told him to 'leave it on my desk' as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow.
The staff member also said the show's annual special filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was an especially 'big party night' full of debauchery.
'I was offered cocaine by a star at an after show party. Lots of people would go back to the hotel. It was a closed-off party, just for the cast and crew. It went on until 5am, even to 6am, it was insane. People were wired and you could see it in their eyes'.
A BBC 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.'
The shock allegations come amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so.
In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing 'personal reasons', actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly.
Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld.
When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment.
Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour'.
Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January.
He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones , who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show.
After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show.
The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly.
Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation.
While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of.
In separate further controversy, it's recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague.
The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed 'under review' while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports.
A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Has Leo DiCaprio FINALLY settled down? Actor, 50, reveals how his mother has inspired him to change his dating rules since finding love with model, 27 - after he was mocked for romancing under 25 year olds
Leonardo DiCaprio has hinted he has finally settled down with his model girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti after making some changes in his life since entering his fifties. The Hollywood heartthrob, 50, known for his lothario lifestyle, has always hit headlines with his relationships with model women all under the age of 25. Ever since he burst onto the big screen in the early 1990s, Leonardo has dated a never-ending conveyor belt of glamorous models and actresses, including Gigi Hadid, Gisele Bündchen and Bar Refaeli. Vittoria has seemingly broke Leo's rule of strictly dating women under the age of 25, as the pair's relationship continues to blossom. In a rare new interview with Esquire UK, Leonardo declared he is living by the new rules of always being 'honest' and more 'upfront' because he has 'no time to waste' at his age. Leonardo reflected on how there is 'much more life behind him now' than there is ahead of him as he discussed is expectations for the coming decades. Speaking in the unfiltered interview, Leo said: 'Turning 50 creates a feeling like you have a desire to just be more honest and not waste your time. 'I can only imagine how the next few decades are going to progress. I look at my mother, for example, and she just says exactly what she thinks and wastes no time. She spends no time trying to fake it.' Before Vittoria, he famously split from Camila Morrone after five years together in 2022, just a month after she turned 25. Detailing the importance of saying exactly how you feel, he explained: 'Being more upfront and risking having things fall apart or risking the disagreements or risking going your separate ways from any type of relationship in life. 'The personal, the professional — it's that you don't want to waste your time any more. 'You have to just be much more upfront. It's almost a responsibility, because much more of your life is behind you than it is ahead of you.' Leonardo famously dated model Gisele for five years starting when she was 18, to a five-year romance with Bar Refaeli that ended when she turned 25. The Hollywood star had also been linked to model Gigi after they fueled romance speculation in September 2022. In a rare new interview with Esquire UK, Leonardo declared he is living by the new rules of always being 'honest' and more 'upfront' because he has 'no time to waste' at his age He was first linked to the model just weeks after his split from then-girlfriend Camila Morrone. But rumours were quickly squashed in February 2023, as a source told 'Leo is very single right now and he is not keen on the hype suggesting that he is seeking out these very young women.' The insider continued: 'He is looking for something more mature in the relationship department. It is just ridiculous because he cannot go anywhere without being linked to the youngest beautiful woman there.' 'He wants to ditch this image once and for all and he is really bothered that this continues to follow him,' they added. For years now, Leo has found himself the butt of many a dating joke - as well as facing furious backlash over his apparent refusal to woo a woman who was over the age of 25. The furious speculation about his dating habits has been given much fuel over the years; Leo split with Camila just weeks after she hit the 25 milestone - and was then photographed with a bevy of young models, including 25-year-old Victoria Lamas and 19-year-old Eden Polani. Leo faced bitter backlash over the alleged romance with Eden - who is 29 years his junior - prompting an insider to issue a vehement denial that there was anything romantic between them. 'They were seated next to each other at a music-listening party,' the insider told at the time. 'There were a number of people at that event.' The intrigue around Leo's dating habits dates back decades after he was catapulted to stardom following a string of leading man roles in movies like 1996's Romeo + Juliet and 1997's Titanic. Two years after the release of Titanic, the actor - who was 24 at the time - began dating then-18-year-old supermodel Gisele Bundchen, future ex-wife of NFL legend Tom Brady. Being in the under 25 club himself, at the time, it was not really an issue. DiCaprio flaunted his love for Bundchen on countless red carpets during their five-year relationship and they seemed like the perfect pairing. In 2004, when Bundchen was 23 years old, the two broke up. In 2005, DiCaprio jumped into another five-year romance with supermodel Bar Refaeli, who was 20 when they started seeing each other. Every detail of their long relationship was extensively covered, and many believed, at the time, that DiCaprio had met his soulmate. However, when Refaeli turned 25 years old in 2010, the two broke up - thus beginning an apparent dating pattern that would follow Leo for the next 13 years. After spending a decade in two long-term romances, DiCaprio had a series of short flings with famous women who were all under 25. In 2011, DiCaprio dated Gossip Girl beauty Blake Lively, who was 23 at the time. The following year, in 2012, DiCaprio got together with 22-year-old model Erin Heatherton, which only lasted a few months. DiCaprio then moved on with another 22-year-old - German model Toni Garrn - who he split with after she turned 24 in 2014. In 2015, he romanced Baywatch beauty Kelly Rohrbach, who was 25 at the time. That ended before she turned 26 years old. After his relationship with Rohrbach ended, DiCaprio jumped into another romance in 2016 with 24-year-old actress Nina Agdal. That ended two years later, in 2018, when Agdal was 25 years old. In 2018, DiCaprio fell hard for model Camila. At the start of their relationship, Leonardo was 43, while she was just 20. However, the age gap did not appear to be an issue - and for a while it seemed as though Leo had finally found the woman of his dreams. Then, just one month after Camila turned 25, the pair's fairytale romance came to an end. After his five-year relationship with the actress ended, Leo finally broke his 'under 25' pattern when he started seeing supermodel Gigi Hadid, who was 27 at the time. But their widely publicized fling ended a few months later, in December 2022. Although it did not workout, the source says that they are 'still friends.' Vittoria and Leo are said to have met at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where his Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon was premiering. They were first linked in the August of that year, after a flurry of rumors that had connected Leo to Vittoria's fellow supermodel Gigi. Over the course of their time together, Vittoria has been seen on occasion with a ring on her wedding finger, but sources have insisted she and Leo are not engaged. Vittoria was previously married from 2020 until 2023 to the Italian DJ Matteo Milleri, who is part of the Berlin-based duo Tale of Us. The Autumn issue of Esquire UK is out on 14 August Leonardo DiCaprio's Dating History The Django Unchained star has famously made a habit of never dating any woman over the age of 25. GISELE BUNDCHEN (1999-2004) Leo's first high-profile relationship was with the Brazilian model, who was 20 when the pair hooked up. She broke off the relationship five years later at the age of 25. BAR REFAELI (2005-2010) The actor's relationship with Bar Refaeli ended after 5 years of dating - coincidentally the same time the Israeli model turned 25. BLAKE LIVELY (2011) The current wife of Ryan Reynolds dated Leo for just one year - when she was 23. ERIN HEATHERTON (2012) The Victoria's Secret Angel alum was just 22 when she dated DiCaprio in 2012. TONI GARRN (2013-2014) German-born model Garrn was just 21 when she and Leo broke up after two years of dating. KELLY ROHRBACH (2015) The Baywatch reboot star was 25 when she and DiCaprio dated from June until around December of 2015, with the break alleged to be a mutual decision NINA AGDAL (2016-2017) Things ended between Leo and the Danish swimsuit model after she hit 25 in 2017. CAMILA MORRONE (2017–2022) Leo and the model-turned-actress began dating just months after his split from Nina Agdal. The were reported to be more serious than ever at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but the two reportedly split over the summer of 2022. GIGI HADID (SEPTEMBER 2022 - DECEMBER 2022) Following his August split from Morrone, it was reported that Leo had his eyes on model Gigi Hadid. The pair were seen hanging at NYC hotspots but the romance seemingly fizzled out in December. VICTORIA LAMAS (DECEMBER 2022) Leo was previously romantically linked to model/actress Victoria Lamas, who happens to be the daughter of actor Lorenzo Lamas. The pair were spotted hanging in Hollywood in late December and reportedly rang in the New Year together. VITTORIA CERETTI (MAY 2023) Leonardo was first reported to have met Italian model Vittoria at the Cannes Film Festival back in May, and in August they were first romantically linked when they were spotted on an ice cream date in August. In November, 'crazy about' Ceretti and has fully committed to their relationship.


Scotsman
16 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 cast: BBC decision has ruined it
Strictly Come Dancing has just ruined series 23 for me with its latest casting decision 😣 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Strictly Come Dancing has announced its 10th celebrity. After a strong start, the decision has tanked the season for me. This is why the latest announcement has left a bitter taste in my mouth. Strictly Come Dancing has started to reveal the celebrities who will be taking part in this year's edition. It began with a bang as Nitro from Gladiators and Dr. River Song were unveiled as participants. However, it has now taken a turn that has left a bitter taste in my mouth with the 10th announcement of the season. Former The Apprentice star, businessman and social media influencer Thomas Skinner has joined the cast. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It might sound like a perfectly adequate addition and one that feels like it should have happened years ago. But for me, personally, it has ruined what enthusiasm I had for the show. BBC has just ruined Strictly Come Dancing with latest cast decision Thomas Skinner has joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing | BBC I quite liked Thomas Skinner during his time on The Apprentice, he had buckets of charm and came across really well. His appearance on Celebrity MasterChef created one of the all-time great reaction gifs. If he had simply faded into the background, perhaps popping up on a TV show or another from time to time, he would have remained a fond figure in my memory. Unfortunately, that is not what has happened. He has become an increasingly loud and polarising figure on social media. If you have spent any time on X (formerly Twitter) in recent months, you have likely come across posts from the BOSH man (although Big John might have a stronger claim to that title). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mixed in with posts about his family, business and favourite cafe, Skinner has dabbled in politics. For example, earlier this year he wrote: 'I don't think there is many in government you can trust in my opinion. It's all smoke and mirrors. Lies & corruption. This country needs to be run by the people, for the people.' Websites like The Telegraph, New Statesman and The Spectator have hailed him as one of the most important voices on the right. He has used terms like 'the woke brigade' to decry the 'death' of the English fry-up and pints on a Friday night. Skinner appeared on a Spectator video with former Reform MP Rupert Lowe titled 'How to Save England' in July. It is a pernicious idea that our country needs 'saving' at all. Skinner has also played into the growing right-wing narrative of the UK being 'unsafe' in his social media posts, once claiming his mates had 'no choice' but to flee to Dubai because of how 'lawless' the country has become. I'm sure the tax incentives played no part in those decisions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was quick to express his support for US President Donald Trump, after he was re-elected in November. The Daily Mirror reports that he blasted Foreign Secretary David Lammy for criticising Trump. He wrote: 'I love Trump, I think he is brilliant, that's my opinion. I think it's good he is back in charge, it will be good for the UK economy.' Just this week he posted about meeting with the Vice President of the US, JD Vance. He wrote: 'Here is a pic of Me and Vice President @JDVance towards the end of the night after a few beers🍻 I'm overdressed in my suit, but when the VP invites you to a BBQ, you don't risk turning up in shorts an flip-flops😂 Cracking night in the beautiful English countryside with JD, his friends and family. Once in a lifetime. Bosh.' It comes in the same week that Donald Trump called in the National Guard on the capital city of Washington D.C. and ICE continues to round up people for deportation. Same-sex marriage is also at risk of being overturned, with the Supreme Court formally asked to overturn it this week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Have we learned nothing from allowing Nigel Farage on I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here? Making figures who dabble in the far-right (or are overtly in the case of Farage) seem 'reasonable' is a massive mistake. Thomas Skinner might not be an MP for Reform or a politician per se, but he has been dabbling in right-wing talking points more frequently. Giving him a spot on prime-time TV could lead more people towards his social media platforms, potentially letting them be sucked in by the narratives spun around how 'unsafe' our country is. After the first spate of announcements, I was excited - especially once La Voix was confirmed. But personally, the addition of Skinner has ruined it for me and left a bitter taste in my mouth. Social media reacts to Thomas Skinner's Strictly reveal I am not alone in my disappointment in the decision to cast Thomas Skinner. Many took to social media to express their concern after he was announced for series 23. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One wrote: 'Well this has killed my mood after the excitement of La Voix.' Another added: 'First voted out I beg, what a disappointment.' A person joked: 'Who's next? Ghislaine Maxwell?' Another concerned user added: 'Farage next year?' One user on social media wrote: 'It's August, we don't play April fools.' Another echoed: 'Is this a joke?' In a salient point, a person said: 'Thought they didn't want political figures on the show.' And another echoed: 'The BBC and ITV's obsession with platforming right-wing grifters (never left wing) plays a major role in the current political landscape. They know exactly what they're doing.'


Daily Mail
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Vicky Pattison is revealed as the 11th celebrity to join the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing
Vicky Pattison has been revealed as the 11th celebrity to join the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The former Geordie Shore star, 37, was unveiled as the latest star live on ITV's This Morning. 'I've not got high hopes for my dancing, I'm a drinker, not a dancer, drunk auntie dancing is me,' she said. 'I am terrified, can you tell?' It comes after Thomas Skinner was revealed as the tenth celebrity contestant for the series. He first hit TV screens on The Apprentice in 2019, becoming a breakout star of the series. Since leaving the boardroom, he has become a social media star - recently shocking fans when it was revealed he'd formed an unlikely friendship with JD Vance, after the US Vice-President became familiar with his profile on X/ Twitter. On being a part of Strictly, Thomas said: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping on to 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!' Earlier in the day, Thomas hinted at his new gig as he shared a snap of his breakfast. The reality star famously posts snaps of his bizarre breakfast feasts at Dino's cafe, and on Thursday he showed off his meal of pie and chips with beans and alphabet potatoes. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot that he'd spelled out Strictly in his potatoes. Thomas' unlikely friendship with JD began on X and resulted in him receiving an invite to join the politician at his Cotswolds holiday residence for a barbecue where other guests included Cambridge academic James Orr and Conservative MP Danny Kruger. News of his new Strictly gig comes a day after trailblazing model and influencer Ellie Goldstein, Drag Race star La Voix and rugby player Chris Robshaw were confirmed as the seventh, eighth and ninth contestants for the new series of Strictly. The three celebrities confirmed their participation in an announcement shared on Wednesday's edition of The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2. Ellie is a model, actress and influencer who became the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Additionally she has featured in campaigns for Gucci, Adidas and Victoria's Secret, while maintaining an ambassadorship for the learning disability charity Mencap. She said: '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!' When Ellie was born, doctors said that she would 'never walk or talk', and one nurse devastatingly suggested that her parents Yvonne and Mark might want to 'leave her' at the hospital. But she has defied all expectations since her birth in December 2001, making history as the first model with Down's syndrome to feature in major international campaigns. Her mother, Yvonne, previously told how Ellie wanted to be famous from the age of two and her 'outgoing' and 'bubbly' personality has helped her achieve all her dreams. Ellie has been flown to Sweden, Italy and Germany for photoshoots, and strutted her stuff on the catwalk at London Fashion Week. Ellie was also the first model with Down's syndrome to ever appear in a campaign for Gucci and has become a very sought-after name in the fashion industry. She graced the cover of Glamour UK at the age of 18 in an edition which honoured the new faces shaking up fashion and proving it can be inclusive. Ellie was also involved in helping Mattel to launch its first ever Barbie with Down syndrome and helped to promote the doll after its release. Strictly is not Ellie's first foray into celebrity competitions as she featured on Great British Bake Off's Stand Up To Cancer celebrity special earlier this year Joining Ellie on the Strictly line-up, La Voix said in a statement: '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 admitted he was stepping well out of his 'comfort zone' by signing up for the show. He commented: 'This is 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.' The announcement comes after George Clarke was named as the sixth celebrity contestant to take part in the show. The YouTuber and podcaster will enter the famous ballroom when Strictly returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September. George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star known to millions online. Born and raised in the UK, George began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world. Since then he has built a thriving digital career with millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice. He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has proven so popular it has led to a series of live shows across the UK. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, George 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.' The news was revealed on BBC Radio 1's Going Home Drivetime Show this afternoon. George has built up a huge following on TikTok with an impressive 152million fans and has 679 thousand on Instagram. He is also often seen teaming up with TikToker Max Balegde as the pair host their podcast together. Hours before, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal was announced as the fifth contestant to join Strictly 2025 line-up. The actress, 46, who plays Suki Panesar on the BBC soap, was revealed as a cast member live on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday morning. Balvinder will join a Love Island winner, Doctor Who star and a footballing legend, all of whom were recently revealed as the latest three stars confirmed to take part in Strictly. Sharing her joy at being part of the show, Balvinder said: '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.' Meanwhile the actress, who was speaking to GMB's Richard Arnold from the EastEnders set, told how she had 'dabbled' in dancing in the past but is unsure is she'd actually be 'any good' once on the dancefloor. She explained: 'I can't stop butterflies. Every time I think about it, they just go, so, yeah. '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. 'So I'll definitely enjoy it. I don't know if I'll be any good!' Balvinder, who has had a successful acting career spanning theatre, radio, film and television, first joined EastEnders back in 2019. During her six years in Walford, she has been part of a number of gripping storylines including Suki's affair with now-wife Eve Unwin, being part of 'The Six' and her turbulent relationship with villainous husband Nish. Prior to stepping foot on Albert Square, Balvinder made appearances in several huge dramas including Call The Midwife, Doctors and Waterloo Road. Meanwhile, former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, 29, actress Alex Kingston, 62, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, will also take to the dance floor this year, The One Show announced on Monday night. They follow Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who was the first star announced. The daughter of acting legend Danny Dyer, who wed husband Jarrod Bowen this year, shot to fame in 2018 on the ITV2 dating show when she bagged the £50,000 prize with Jack Fincham. Dani said: '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.' Doctor Who's Alex notably appeared in US drama ER from 1997 to 2005 alongside George Clooney. She also took on a recurring role in Doctor Who, playing River Song - the love interest of Matt Smith's incarnation of the Doctor and the daughter of Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory (Arthur Darvill). Alex briefly reprised her role during Peter Capaldi's stint on the BBC sci-fi show and has also leant her voice to a number of audio releases in the franchise. Alex has previously spoken about her desire to sign up for Strictly, revealing she and her close friend Sarah Hadland - who competed last year - had discussed it. 'Sarah Hadland and I talked about how much we'd like to do Strictly Come Dancing,' she said in 2019. '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!' Speaking to hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Scott about her upcoming stint, the actress teased: 'My hips don't lie.' Meanwhile, former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex England coach said he's looking forward to the challenge. 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.' The father-of-four was a professional player with Leeds and Middlebrough for two decades before he retied in 2008. Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his alter-ego Nitro, was the first celebrity revealed to taking part in the new series, after competing on the Christmas Special last year. His involvement was revealed in a prank to CBBC Newsround viewers, after the BBC had previously said the first stars taking part would be revealed much later in the day. Flexing his reputation as a star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as 'world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott', there to talk about his recent work on a scientific study into the benefits of dancing. His disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. Aikines-Aryeetey then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he's taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing! Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators. As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17. Aikines-Aryeetey has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. He has competed in two Olympic games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion. In 2023, Aikines-Aryeetey was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, and he took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special partnered with Nancy Xu. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Aikines-Aryeetey 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.' On Sunday it was reported that Natalie Imbruglia and Delta Goodrem are 'in negotiations' to take part in the show. A new report suggested the two Australian stars are both in talks to appear while another former Neighbours star - Stefan Dennis - is also said to be in the running. Aikines-Aryeetey is set to take part in Strictly's main series, after competing in the Christmas Special last year with Nancy Xu (pictured) A source told The Sun: 'Talks are at a point where things could go in a number of different directions but if both celebrities signed up then that would be seen as quite a coup for the show. Read More BBC's panicking male stars on their 'fear and paranoia' after bullying and sex scandals 'Delta and Natalie would bring some glamour to the programme, and be some of this year's most eagerly anticipated competitors. 'If all three former Neighbours stars end up performing, the Strictly dance floor will end up looking more like Ramsay Street.' Strictly's new series has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals. One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath. The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker. The publication have now reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year's show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours. Over the weekend, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show's stars. He told The Sun: 'The main partying is on site at Elstree after filming of the live show has finished. Boozing and drug taking goes on until 3am, sometimes 4am. The smoking area outside is a hive of activity. Cocaine gets taken there'. He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, an unfazed senior producer told him to 'leave it on my desk' as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow. The staff member also said the show's annual special filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was an especially 'big party night' full of debauchery. 'I was offered cocaine by a star at an after show party. Lots of people would go back to the hotel. It was a closed-off party, just for the cast and crew. It went on until 5am, even to 6am, it was insane. People were wired and you could see it in their eyes'. A BBC 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.' The shock allegations come amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so. In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing 'personal reasons', actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly. Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld. When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment. Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour '. Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January. He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a 'wandering hand' incident with dance partner Katya Jones , who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show. After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show. The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly. Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation. While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have 'absolutely no recollection' of. In separate further controversy, it's recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague. The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed 'under review' while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports. A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show. STRICTLY LINEUP 2025 Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Age: 36 Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator Harry says: '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.' Alex Kingston Age: 62 Profession: Doctor Who actress The actress teases: 'My hips don't lie' Balvinder Sopal Age: 46 Profession: EastEnders actress Balvinder says: '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.' La Voix Age: 45 Profession: Drag performer She says: '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.' Thomas Skinner Age: 34 Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur He says: 'Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!' Dani Dyer Age: 29 Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner Dani says: 'Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I've done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.' Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Age: 53 Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach. He says: '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.' Ellie Goldstein Age: 23 Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador She says: 'It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream'. Chris Robshaw Age: 39 Profession: Rugby player He says: 'This is 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'.