Strictly 2025 lineup revealed

BBC reveals the first batch of celebrities and two new professionals for the 2025 series, signaling a fresh mix on the dance floor.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup confirms first contestants and new pros

The BBC has revealed the first contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Olympian and former Gladiators star Harry Aikines Aryeetey leads the list, joined by Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal and George Clarke who will all take to the ballroom later this year. The show also confirms two new professional dancers making their Strictly debuts, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who were seen preparing with the existing line up of pros as the series approaches. Group numbers are set to be pre recorded before the main competition begins, a sign of the show’s logistical planning as it expands its casting.

In addition to the six celebrities, the broader pro lineup includes familiar faces who will guide the newcomers and provide continuity for fans. The drama of Strictly often comes as much from the chemistry in the ballroom as from the dances themselves, and this year’s mix of Olympic sport, reality TV pedigree and acting talent suggests a broad appeal when the series returns to BBC One.

The spread of contestants reflects a deliberate strategy to blend sport, reality television and acting, tapping into multiple fan bases. The inclusion of a YouTube friendly creator among the celebrities and the rise of two brand new pros point to the show leaning into online audiences while preserving the show’s traditional appeal. This approach could broaden the show’s reach beyond long time viewers and into younger, social media driven audiences. Yet it also raises questions about balancing star power with dance skill and the potential pressure on newcomers to perform under high scrutiny from day one.

Highlights

More names will join the roster as the series builds toward its autumn premiere.