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Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up so far as first nine stars announced for new series
The first batch of celebrities set to grace the dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 have been unveiled. This year's line-up includes a former international footballer, a Drag Race sensation, a well-known YouTuber, an EastEnders star and a Love Island champion. As of Wednesday morning (August 13), nine celebrities have been confirmed, with more names yet to be announced. Returning to host the show will be Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The judging panel will once again feature Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. Fans of the hit series will also be pleased to know which professional dancers are returning to the ballroom this year. Back in April, it was confirmed that Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Nikita Kuzmin, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk would be part of the 2025 series. Also returning to the dance floor are Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Michelle Tsiakkas, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola, reports the Manchester Evening News. Joining them will be two brand new professional dancers, So You Think You Can Dance winner Alexis Warr and Australia's Dancing With The Stars' Julian Caillon. Below are the first nine celebrities who have been announced. We'll keep updating the list as more names are confirmed. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. (Image: BBC) Harry is most recognised for his appearances on the Bradley and Barney Walsh edition of Gladiators, where he competes under the moniker Nitro and faces off against contestants in demanding physical contests. The multiple gold medal-winning Team GB athlete, who became the first competitor to claim gold in both the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships, has previously featured on Strictly when he participated in last year's festive special alongside Nancy Xu. Harry revealed: "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." Dani Dyer. (Image: BBC) The offspring of former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer gained prominence on Love Island's fourth series, which she claimed victory in alongside her former partner Jack Fincham. After her triumph on the reality romance programme, Dani has presented documentaries including Is This Anxiety? , has collaborated with her father Danny on the podcast Live and Let Dyers and has featured in guest roles on EastEnders and Celebrity Gogglebox. With more than three million social media fans, she is an accomplished writer with her first book What Would Dani Do, and married West Ham player Jarrod Bowen in May this year. Hinting at what's to come, she expressed: "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. Fans of Doctor Who will be thrilled with the announcement from Alex Kingston, who portrayed River Song on the BBC sci-fi series from 2008 until 2015. Beyond her adventures with the Doctor, Alex gained recognition as Dr Elizabeth Corday in the internationally acclaimed TV drama ER, earning a SAG award during her eight-year tenure on the medical show. Other television roles for Ralph Fiennes' former wife include Douglas Is Cancelled, Treason, Gilmore Girls, Boudica, Lost in Austen, Dodger, A Discovery of Witches, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Arrow. Upon joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alex simply told the BBC: "Aaaaagghhh! ! ! ! ! !". Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. (Image: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a Chelsea legend) Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, renowned for scoring goals in the Premier League and across Europe, is trading his football boots for dancing shoes. The retired Dutch footballer played for Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, earning a reputation for his power, pace, and precision during his playing career. Since hanging up his boots, Jimmy has become a regular face in football punditry for major UK sports networks, managed clubs like Burton Albion and Northampton Town and even served as an assistant coach for the England national team. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink commented on his Strictly participation: "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." Belvinder Sopal. Balvinder Sopal was announced as the fifth celebrity taking part in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. The performer, whose work encompasses theatre, radio, cinema and television, is best recognised for portraying the notorious Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders since 2019. In her role as Suki, she has been central to some of EastEnders' most compelling and critically praised storylines, from her involvement with 'The Six' to her turbulent romance with Eve Unwin. Prior to EastEnders, Balvinder featured in numerous well-known TV programmes in different roles, including a guest starring role in Call The Midwife series seven, Doctors, and Waterloo Road. Regarding her Strictly participation, Balvinder commented: "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!". George Clarke. (Image: BBC) YouTube sensation George Clarke was announced as the sixth contestant for the 2025 lineup on BBC Radio One's Going Home Show. With more than 600,000 followers, George maintains close ties with internet phenomenon The Sidemen. Also recognised as George Clarkey, George started dabbling with video content during his teenage years, rapidly realising the strength of wit and candour to forge connections with audiences globally. Building a substantial fanbase across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with followers attracted to his genuine nature and razor-sharp comedic timing, George co-presents The Useless Hotline Podcast alongside Max Balegde. "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," he quipped. La Voix. (Image: BBC) RuPaul's Drag Race UK sensation La Voix has been confirmed as the seventh participant to inject additional sparkle and elegance to the nation's beloved dance floor. A dynamo of magnetism, comedy, and cabaret, La Voix captivated the programme and won over viewers' affections during the series. Securing four RuPeter Badges and earning a spot in the Grand Finale, she claimed the runner-up position and swiftly established herself as a crowd favourite. She's well-versed in television appearances, having featured on ITV's Queens For The Night, and wowing the panel as a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent where judge Alesha Dixon proclaimed her "a force to be reckoned with". "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'", she quipped. Chris Robshaw. (Image: BBC) Chris Robshaw was revealed as the eighth celebrity on Strictly during Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2 programme. The former England rugby skipper will take to the renowned ballroom in just a matter of weeks. He initially joined his boyhood club, Harlequins RFC, directly from school and became captain aged 23. He earned 66 caps for England and led the national side 43 times, guiding them to a Six Nations Grand Slam triumph in 2016. After being confirmed for the 2025 line-up, he confessed: "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. (Image: BBC) BBC Breakfast disclosed that Ellie Goldstein has been confirmed as the ninth celebrity joining the fresh series of Strictly Come Dancing in the coming weeks. As a pioneering model, actor and influencer, she made history as the first model with Down syndrome to feature on the cover of British Vogue. Her modelling career has also seen her star in major campaigns for brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas. Two years ago, Ellie collaborated with Mattel to launch the first ever Barbie with Down syndrome, and more recently her acting has taken the spotlight, with a guest lead role in CBBC's Mallory Towers. "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 dance floor. Let the Strictly journey begin!", she enthused.
South Wales Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Third Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star officially confirmed
Actress Alex Kingston was the next star revealed to be taking part on The One Show tonight (August 11) live from Italy. Kingston, 62, is noted for her TV work in both Britain and the US, including ER and ITV miniseries The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders (1996), which earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress. Kingston is also known for her role as River Song in Doctor Who from 2008 to 2015. It comes as 2018 Love Island winner Dani Dyer was the second star revealed to be taking part on show moments earlier. Earlier today, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (also known as Nitro on the BBC game show) was the first star announced to be taking part in this year's competition. The 36-year-old, who also took part in the Strictly Christmas special last year, was then partnered with Nancy Xu. Professional Dancers Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all take to the floor once more. 🪩✨ Please welcome our two new Strictly Professional Dancers! 💃🏽🕺🏼Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon join the #Strictly Come Dancing family when the series returns this autumn on @BBCiPlayer Info ➡️ Recommended Reading: First Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star officially confirmed Second Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star officially confirmed BBC's Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new dancers Two new professional dancers, American-born Alexis Warr and Australian-born Julian Caillon will also join the cast. Warr, who is best known for winning the US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned America's favourite dancer, became the first female ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. Strictly will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Third Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star officially confirmed
Actress Alex Kingston was the next star revealed to be taking part on The One Show tonight (August 11) live from Italy. Kingston, 62, is noted for her TV work in both Britain and the US, including ER and ITV miniseries The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders (1996), which earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress. Kingston is also known for her role as River Song in Doctor Who from 2008 to 2015. It comes as 2018 Love Island winner Dani Dyer was the second star revealed to be taking part on show moments earlier. Earlier today, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (also known as Nitro on the BBC game show) was the first star announced to be taking part in this year's competition. The 36-year-old, who also took part in the Strictly Christmas special last year, was then partnered with Nancy Xu. Professional Dancers Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all take to the floor once more. 🪩✨ Please welcome our two new Strictly Professional Dancers! 💃🏽🕺🏼Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon join the #Strictly Come Dancing family when the series returns this autumn on @BBCiPlayer Info ➡️ Recommended Reading: First Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star officially confirmed Second Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star officially confirmed BBC's Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new dancers Two new professional dancers, American-born Alexis Warr and Australian-born Julian Caillon will also join the cast. Warr, who is best known for winning the US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned America's favourite dancer, became the first female ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. Strictly will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.
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The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Olympian to Gladiators star: First look at Strictly Come Dancing cast
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known as Nitro from Gladiators, has been announced as the first celebrity contestant for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The Olympic sprinter and multiple European and Commonwealth champion made the announcement on BBC's Newsround on Monday. Aikines-Aryeetey previously competed in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special last year alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu. The upcoming series will feature two new professional dancers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, joining the returning cast, with all four judges also set to return. Gorka Marquez, a popular professional dancer, will not be partnered with a celebrity for up to four weeks due to his role as a judge on the Spanish version of the show.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Strictly confirms Gladiators legend as first celebrity in BBC 2025 line-up
The first celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 line-up has been confirmed as a Gladiator icon. Olympian and star of BBC's Gladiators, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is the first famous face who will grace the Strictly ballroom this autumn. The TV personality already took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with pro-partner Nancy Xu and now he is back for round two. '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,' he said in a statement. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter was announced as Nitro in the high-stakes BBC gameshow in 2023. And he will no doubt be bringing all his skills to the dance floor. More Trending The next three celebrity contestants will be announced later today on The One Show at 7pm. Strictly Come Dancing returns on September 20, 2025. View More » More to come… Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Strictly in fresh scandal after staffer claims they were 'offered cocaine by show star' MORE: Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders return 'confirmed' after three-month ban for disabled slur MORE: Which Strictly pros are competing this year after Gorka Márquez news devastates fans?
