Strictly Come Dancing 2025 first pairing 'revealed' as star drops cryptic clue
BBC Strictly Come Dancing has been dropping the names of the first contestants for 2025 and eagle-eyed fans may have seen one of the pairings has already been 'revealed'
Comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell proved to be the perfect 2024 pairing when they won
(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire )
BBC hit Strictly Come Dancing has already confirmed the first few contestants who will be taking part in the 2025 series but it will be a while yet until they are officially unveiled alongside their professional dance partners.
However, eagle-eyed fans may have already been given the biggest clue yet about one of the pairings after a post was shared by Strictly's official Instagram account.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a contestant on the 2024 Christmas special, was confirmed as the first celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly during an announcement on Monday, August 11.
The surprise announcement saw him prank CBBC Newsround viewers when he 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 every day.
His disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. Harry then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he's taking part in the new series.
Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has signed up for Strictly Come Dancing
Following the revelation, the BBC Strictly official Instagram account also shared news in a post that featured his photo and the caption: "#STRICTLY... ARE YOU READY?! Gladiator Nitro is our first celebrity reveal! @aikines is back in the Ballroom for 2025."
Many of the professional dancers shared their joy with Nancy Xu penning: "Yessssss he is hereeee," while Gorka Marquez said: "YES BRO!!" and last year's pro winner Dianne Buswell, who lifted the trohpy with comedian Chris McCausland, added: "Amazing."
Meanwhile, Karen Hauer posted four flame emoji's which prompted a response from a fan who said: "yes Karen I hope you get someone really good this year plz strictly (two flame emojis) bet he will be good. X"
This led Harry to reply with a laughing emoji and an eyeball emoji, which is usually used to draw attention to something and could be a sign that Harry is partnered with Karen, who last year danced with former England footballer Paul Merson.
Karen Hauer with Paul Merson during last year's series
(Image: BBC)
Following the announcement about Harry, three more contestants were announced back-to-back on Monday's edition of The One Show, which was hosted by Alex Scott and Roman Kemp.
The first to be announced was Love Island winner Dani Dyer, who admitted it had been "so hard" to keep it all a big secret.
Talking of her family's reaction to her taking part, including dad EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, Dani said: "They're so excited, it's such a fun, magical show and to be asked to do it is such an honour."
The mum-of-three, who recently married footballer Jarrod Bowen, added she was "worried" about picking up the routines and is "petrified" of being on live television.
Dani Dyer was announced during The One Show
(Image: BBC)
The next contestant revealed to be joining Strictly was Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, who confessed she was "super excited" but is now "terrified".
The Grange Hill actress - appearing on a live video link from her holiday in Italy - recalled once telling former Strictly finalist Sarah Hadland how "desperate" she was to be in Strictly, who told her "it changed her life and she would do it again in a heartbeat".
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And finally, footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was confirmed as the third.
The father of four daughters said Strictly was part of his "home life" and he was ready to "have a go".
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
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