LSU gymnastics commit Hezly Rivera wins all-around national title ahead of LSU arrival
The 17-year-old took home the national championship with 112.000 total points between both days of the meet and became the title's youngest winner since 2017. She won gold outright in beam and floor and then tied for the top spot on bars.
Rivera earned a selection on the 2024 Olympics team alongside the sport's biggest names, such as Simone Biles and Suni Lee. She was the youngest Olympian from the United States during the games in Paris.
After returning from Paris, 16-year-old Rivera committed to LSU in a post on her social media account in September. She chose the then-reigning national champions as her collegiate team. Her first competitive season for the Tigers is slated for 2027.
'I am so blessed and excited to announce that I have verbally committed to Louisiana State University on a full athletic scholarship. Thank you to my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me throughout this process. I also want to thank all the girls, coaches, and staff at LSU for everything," Rivera said.
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Michael Phelps shares his Olympic mindset — and swim lessons — with Baltimore Ravens
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Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak praises Anthony Bradford
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BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025 celebrity line-up in full so far
The race for the coveted glitterball trophy is about to begin once again, as Strictly Come Dancing gears up for its 2025 return. With the BBC unveiling its celebrity contestants one by one, ahead of the show's September launch, anticipation is mounting among fans eager for the hit dance-show's comeback. So far, nine stars have been confirmed for the 2025 line-up, with more names expected to be revealed in the days ahead. Here is everything we know so far and when the new names are announced we'll add them to the list. Meanwhile, for everything Strictly 2025, click here. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey The first contestant to be revealed was Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Known to many as "Nitro" from Gladiators, Harry brings not just star power but incredible fitness and stamina - qualities that could make him a serious contender for the glitterball. Harry's athletic achievements are impressive: a multi-gold winning Team GB sprinter, he made history as the first athlete to claim gold in both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships. His competitive drive was evident early on when he was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2005. Since then, Harry has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at both the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games. But that's not all - he's also competed in two Olympic Games and boasts titles as a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion. For Strictly fans however, the clincher may be the fact that Harry has taken to the Strictly stage before. Much like his predecessors Fleur East and Maisie Smith, Harry has appeared on a Christmas special. The Olympian teamed up with Strictly pro Nancy Xu to perform a lively commercial routine to Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses - securing a whopping 38 out of 40. Upon the announcement, Harry said: ""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 dancefloor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track." Dani Dyer Many will recognise Dani Dyer as the eldest daughter of EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer, but she has firmly carved out her own place in the spotlight. Dani first captured the nation's attention on Love Island in 2018, winning hearts with her lively personality and unmistakable London accent. She went on to win the series alongside Jack Fincham, but has since married England football ace Jarrod Bowen. The couple share three children together; Santiago (from Dani's previous relationship) and twins Star and Summer. Last year, fellow Love Island alumna Tasha Ghouri made it all the way to the Strictly final, so fans will be watching to see if Dani can follow in her footsteps. Beyond reality TV, Dani has built a diverse career. She's a published author, with her debut What Would Dani Do? hitting the Sunday Times bestseller list. She has also fronted documentaries like Is This Anxiety?, co-hosts the podcast Live and Let Dyers alongside her father Danny, and starred in the travel show Absolutely Dyer: Danny and Dani Do Italy. On top of this, Dani has made guest appearances on EastEnders and Celebrity Gogglebox - proving she's much more than just a reality star. Dani's involvement was announced during The One Show, hosted by Alex Scott and Roman Kemp. While Dani appeared visibly nervous, she shared her excitement at such a "fun and magical" opportunity. 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 The next contestant to be announced was Alex Kingston, a familiar face to BBC audiences and beyond. With a career spanning over four decades, Alex gained international acclaim as Dr Elizabeth Corday on ER, a role she played for eight years and which earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award. Others know her as the iconic River Song, aka The Doctor's Wife, whom she has portrayed alongside three different Doctors across television, audio dramas, and novels. Her impressive TV credits also include a BAFTA-nominated performance in Moll Flanders, and roles in Douglas Is Cancelled, Treason, Gilmore Girls, Boudica, Lost in Austen, Dodger, A Discovery of Witches, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Arrow. Alex's stage credentials are just as impressive, with standout performances as Lady Macbeth, Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Prospero for the Royal Shakespeare Company, among many others. Her eclectic roles mean that she is recognised to many different audiences and generations. Following the announcement, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement, with one tweeting, "Alex Kingston saves the #Strictly List," and another saying, 'Alex Kingston is going to be on Strictly? I might actually have to start watching it." One further commented: "ALEX KINGSTON IS DOING STRICTLY I'M GONNA LOSE MY MIND OH MY GOD YES". With the strong fan support, she could already prove to be a fan favourite for the competition. Reflecting on her participation, Alex joked about her dancing skills, admitting she's got "hips that don't lie," before saying, "I'm in my 60s so why not just go for it?" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Next is former professional footballer and manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Known for his prolific goal-scoring prowess, Jimmy enjoyed a celebrated career in the Premier League and across Europe, playing for top clubs including Leeds United, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea. With years of performing in front of thousands of fans, stepping into the Strictly spotlight should be right up his alley. Since hanging up his boots, Jimmy has become a familiar face as a pundit on major UK sports networks, managed clubs such as Burton Albion and Northampton Town, and even served as assistant coach for the England national team. Jimmy was revealed as a contestant during Monday night's episode of The One Show alongside Alex and Dani. During the announcement, Alex Scott reminded him that the furthest a footballer has ever progressed on Strictly was the quarter-finals - a feat she herself achieved alongside professional dancer Neil Jones. Undeterred, Jimmy embraced the challenge. "I am going to do my best - otherwise I'm going to have some serious stick at home," he joked. As a father to daughters, Jimmy shared that Strictly Come Dancing has become a staple in his household and something he's grown to enjoy over the years. On joining the show, Jimmy 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 Another BBC golden girl set to light up the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom is Balvinder Sopal. An accomplished actor whose career spans theatre, radio, film, and television, Balvinder is best known for her portrayal of Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders since 2019. As Suki, she has driven some of the soap's most intense and acclaimed storylines, from her role in the notorious "The Six" to a fiery, on-again-off-again romance with Eve Unwin. With such dramatic flair, Strictly fans can surely expect Balvinder to bring that same passion and intensity to the dance floor. Before becoming a staple on EastEnders, Balvinder showcased her versatility across popular TV dramas, landing a guest lead in Call The Midwife (series seven), as well as appearances on Doctors and Waterloo Road. On joining the Strictly line-up, Balvinder shares: "Being on Strictly is a dream I've held close to my heart, even without knowing if it would ever come true. To work on EastEnders and then step onto the Strictly dance floor - it's genuinely the stuff dreams are made of. I'm buzzing with excitement and can't wait to dance my heart out across the ballroom!" The big reveal came live from Albert Square on August, 12 during ITV's Good Morning Britain. Balvinder confessed she's no stranger to dancing, having enjoyed ballroom and Latin styles as a hobby - especially captivated by the passion and energy of Latin routines. Given the history of soap stars excelling on Strictly with the likes of Jill Halfpenny, Danny Mac, and Kellie Bright all reaching the finals, there's every reason to believe Balvinder could join this prestigious list. George Clarke Perhaps the least well-known of the new contestants so far, George Clarke is the cheeky chappie of YouTube, ready to bring his trademark dry sense of humour to the Strictly dance floor. The 25-year-old began creating video content as a teenager and has since amassed a devoted following across social media, boasting over two million followers. Riding the wave of his online popularity, George now co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast alongside fellow influencer Max Balegde. The podcast's success has sparked a series of live shows across the UK, where the duo have interviewed an eclectic mix of stars - from The Inbetweeners actor James Buckley to Celebrity Big Brother contestant JoJo Siwa. George's announcement has sparked a wave of excitement among fans. One wrote, "the entire british nation is about to fall in love with george clarke and i cant wait." Another added, "it's the year of george clarke ladies and gents. i know for certain i'm not complaining." Meanwhile, an enthusiastic supporter chimed in: "First Taylor announcing her new music and now George Clarke going on Strictly. HELLO?!?!?!" Support also came from former Strictly contestant and fellow YouTuber Joe Sugg, who was runner-up in 2018 alongside his now-girlfriend Dianne Buswell. Joe showed encouragement to George, saying: "YES @georgeclarkeey this is going to be brilliant... I am going to send you a video of me on my first day.. it will prove that miracles can happen." Speaking about his dance experience during the announcement on BBC Radio 1 on Tuesday, August 12, George confessed: "I believe I ordered one from a Paso Doble once." He added with typical humour: "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 La Voix was the seventh celebrity confirmed for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. A performer, singer, and presenter, La Voix competed in the 2024 series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, making history as the first-ever drag performer to take part in Strictly. As the first drag queen to appear on the show, she would also be the first to take home the crown. The announcement was made on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday, August 13. La Voix became a standout on Drag Race, winning four RuPeter Badges and securing a place in the Grand Finale, where she finished as runner-up and quickly became a fan favourite thanks to her mix of comedy, charisma, and musical talent. But her journey doesn't stop there. La Voix has been a familiar face on national television, from dazzling on ITV's Queens For The Night to belting out show-stopping performances on Paramount's Queen of the Universe. She also made an impact as a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent, where Alesha Dixon called her "a force to be reckoned with." Her big-screen appearances include Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and with her live show, La Voix Meets, she's interviewed a host of stars like Dawn French, Joanna Lumley, and Vanessa Feltz. Notably, she's performed for the British Royal Family at their exclusive New Year's Eve ball for two years running. Now, La Voix is ready to bring her unique blend of talent to the Strictly ballroom, alongside her dance partner, performer Chris Dennis. Viewers will get to see more of the real La Voix, beyond her larger-than-life stage persona. Reflecting on her upcoming appearance, La Voix says, "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 Next up is Chris Robshaw, former England rugby union player and captain. Chris is widely recognised for his achievements on the rugby field. He joined his childhood club, Harlequins RFC, straight out of school and was appointed captain at just 23 years old. Chris earned 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016. On the club level, he played 300 games for Harlequins, leading the team through their most successful era and becoming the only player to win the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Award twice. Chris's winning mentality, honed through years of high-pressure competition, will likely serve him well in the Strictly ballroom. Known for his focus, discipline, and determination, he's no stranger to pushing himself to new limits, which could give him a competitive edge as he takes on the challenge of dance. The announcement was made this morning on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2. Ahead of his appearance, Chris said: "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." Ellie Goldstein Ellie Goldstein is the ninth celebrity confirmed for the upcoming series. A pioneering model, actor, and influencer, Ellie made history in 2023 as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue. Her trailblazing career has seen her grace the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag, and Euphoria magazines, while also featuring in major campaigns for global brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas. In an incredible milestone, in 2021, Ellie partnered with Mattel to launch the first-ever Barbie with Down syndrome, an iconic moment in both the fashion and toy industries. Recently, she has turned her attention to acting, with a guest lead role in the popular CBBC series Malory Towers. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ellie said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly 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" The announcement was made on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday, August 13. When asked about who she'd love to be paired with, Ellie didn't hold back, saying: "The best partner is Nikita (Kuzmin). I love him! I want him, please, I love him so much." While it's yet to be revealed who Ellie will be dancing with, she made it clear that Nikita is her top choice. In a lighthearted moment, she explained: "Because he's good looking! He's got a heartwarming, loving smile, making me happy. He's sexy, hot, fit - all the things for me!" Ellie's infectious energy and lively personality are sure to endear her to audiences, and with her history of breaking barriers, could Strictly be another stage for her to make history once again? Her determination and passion for embracing new challenges suggest she could be one to watch this season. Contestants are still being announced and we will add names as they are made public.
