BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner 'unveiled' after line-up announcements
This year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up has officially been announced, ahead of the series beginning next month
The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner might have already been unveiled after this week's line-up announcements.
The excitement for this year's series is reaching fever pitch as the countdown to the launch show officially begins.
Celebrity contestants have been unveiled throughout the week, with the final three participants being revealed on Friday (August 15).
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro from Gladiators, was the first star to be announced, followed by Love Island's Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal will also take part, alongside George Clarke, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein and The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC next month
(Image: PA)
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The 2025 cast is rounded out by Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis, Ross King, Karen Carney and Kristian Nairn.
These stars are set to become household names over the coming months with their sparkly routines, but who could win the series?
Bookmakers have wasted no time in predicting who will take home the Glitter Ball and who might be the first to go after the full line-up was revealed. At the top of the market, Dani Dyer and Ellie Goldstein are joint favourites at 5/1 (16.7% probability), with early momentum firmly on their side. At the other end of the spectrum, TV presenter Ross King is the longest shot at 33/1 (2.9%), making him the bookies' pick for an early exit.
Dani Dyer is already a favourite to win the show
(Image: PA)
Odds expert Dave James from whataretheodds.co.uk said: "Love Island winner and actress Dani Dyer is bringing her bubbly personality and loyal fan base to the ballroom. Having already proven her popularity on reality TV, she's tipped to make a big splash in the early weeks.
"With her natural charm and willingness to throw herself into new challenges, she's the complete Strictly package. Dani is the full package - personality, popularity, and a feel-good story. If she dances half as well as she chats, she'll go far."
Meanwhile, the expert said of Ellie: "The internationally acclaimed model and disability rights advocate has broken barriers in the fashion industry, and now she's turning her focus to the dance floor.
Model Ellie Goldstein could also become a fan-favourite celeb
(Image: BBC)
"Her inspiring journey and warm personality could make her a public favourite from day one. Ellie's presence will resonate with millions. If she nails her first routine, she could easily take the favourite spot outright."
Following her announcement on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday (August 13), Ellie didn't hold back on sharing who she wants to be paired with.
"The best partner is Nikita [Kuzmin], I love him! I want him, please, I love him so much," she revealed to hosts Jon Kay and Sarah Campbell.
When asked why she wanted him in particular, Ellie added: "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!"
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Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn
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