The mix of contestants this year is particularly eclectic, featuring an Olympian, a beloved daytime presenter, a Game of Thrones star, and a former Geordie Shore icon. Honestly, who saw this mash-up coming? From track-star speed demons to sci-fi legends, BBC’s ballroom is shaping up as the place to be seen (and occasionally seen tripping over your own feet).
Strictly aficionados, brace yourselves.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill lineup full of soap stars and ex-athletes looking for a mid-life crisis thrill. Instead, we have a powerhouse roster that promises surprises, occasional chaos, and moments so jaw-dropping you’ll pause your evening cuppa to catch your breath.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the glitterball galaxy of 2025’s celebrity contenders.
From the Track to the Tango
First up, Olympian and Gladiators legend Harry Aikines-Aryeetey—aka Nitro—swaps the sprint track for sequins. He’s the first athlete to gold both 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships, and even took a spin in last Christmas’s Strictly special with Nancy Xu. Can you imagine that raw sprinter explosiveness in a quickstep? I’m betting on fireworks… and maybe a few missteps as he learns the rules of ballroom footwork.
Next, former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker turned pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is trading goals for glissades. He’s the man who terrorised defenders and even helped coach the England side. “Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals,” he quipped—and honestly, that one-liner already deserves a dance itself. Will he score perfect tens, or end up kicking off in frustration? Only time (and his pro partner) will tell.
Chris Robshaw, the former England rugby captain, isn’t shy about stepping up to challenges. After leading Harlequins and earning 66 caps for the national side, his move to the dancefloor feels almost poetic—strength meets grace. And let’s not forget Karen Carney, the indomitable midfielder with 144 caps for England. She’s now a top-flight pundit, but can she pivot a waltz spin like she used to pivot play? I can’t wait to see that switch from analysis to arabesques.
Reality TV and Digital Darlings
If you thought Love Island mega-star Dani Dyer couldn’t surprise you again after her 2018 win, think again. She’s fronted anxiety documentaries, co-hosts a podcast with her dad Danny, and even popped up on EastEnders. Now she’s embarking on something entirely unscripted: live ballroom broadcasts. Will her charm carry her through the cha-cha-cha, or will nerves get the better of her? Personally, I’m rooting for her—she’s got the charisma, after all.
Then there’s YouTube’s own George Clarke (aka George Clarkey), whose 600,000-strong following knows him for hilarious antics and no-filter honesty. “I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in,” he joked. Expect plenty of pratfalls—and maybe a viral dance tutorial gone rogue? Watching a content creator dive headfirst into sequins might just be Strictly’s secret weapon this year.
Thomas Skinner, the cheeky Apprentice alum, has already made his mark with meme-worthy moments on Celebrity MasterChef and various panel shows. He’s smart, quick on his feet—figuratively and soon literally—and I can’t help but wonder: will his boardroom banter survive under the sequins and spotlights?
And Vicky Pattison, queen of the jungle turned presenter, author, and podcast host, is no stranger to live shows. But can she handle live judges and unforgiving spotlights? I’d put good money on her fighting spirit.
Soap, Sci-Fi and Screen Royalty
Doctor Who devotees, prepare to cheer Alex Kingston. River Song herself will join the Strictly roster, bringing time-travel swagger to the foxtrot. After nailing Dr. Elizabeth Corday in ER and even earning a SAG Award, Alex has serious pop-culture clout. I’ll be fascinated to see if she can channel that dramatic flair into perfect posture rather than sonic screwdrivers.
EastEnders heavyweight Balvinder Sopal—Suki Kaur Panesar to soap fans—rounds out the cast with her powerhouse presence. She’s tackled everything from family feuds to The Six, so a dip in Strictly’s dramatic lighting should feel like a home turf advantage. Still, no soap script can predict a two-minute Viennese waltz.
Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis has been playing Paul Robinson for decades—6,000 episodes and counting. It’s safe to say he’s a TV institution, but can the man who delivered soapy cliffhangers every week nail a perfect tango? Let’s hope his years on set translate to poise on the dancefloor.
Rounding out the screen stars is Ross King, the Emmy-winning Hollywood correspondent who announced his participation live on Lorraine. He’s covered red carpets worldwide; now he’s walking one of his own. Will his on-camera finesse hold when Bruno’s critiques arrive? I suspect those live-TV reflexes will serve him well, though I wouldn’t bet against a well-timed slip—pure television gold.
Drag Race Glam, Vogue Covers & Thrones
Adding an extra dash of drag-race dazzle is La Voix, whose comedy chops and RuPeter Badges made her a fan favorite. She was runner-up on Drag Race UK and even wowed Alesha Dixon on Britain’s Got Talent—so she knows how to work a crowd. Now she’s bringing that larger-than-life energy to Strictly, and frankly, I can’t imagine a dull moment when she takes the floor.
Ellie Goldstein, the trailblazing model with Down syndrome who graced British Vogue’s cover, is another game-changer. From Gucci Beauty to Adidas campaigns, she’s redefined inclusivity in fashion. Seeing her confidence in a ballroom dress (and those killer runway poses) promises to be one of the most moving journeys of the series.
Last but certainly not least, Game of Thrones icon Kristian Nairn—our beloved Hodor—is ready to show a different kind of strength. We all remember him bearing Bran on his back; now he’ll bear the weight of a ballroom routine. His DJ background suggests good rhythm, but who’s to say he won’t freeze like Winterfell? Personally, I’ll have my heart in my throat every time he spins.
Whether you’re here for the high-stakes drama, the unexpected pairings, or simply to see your favorites slip on glitter, 2025’s Strictly Come Dancing promises to deliver.
Which celebrity are you betting on? Will an underdog rise, or will the seasoned pros sweep the floor?
Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the backstage goss and those viral training bloopers you won’t want to miss. Dance on!
Before you go, discover John Cena’s biggest regret about getting a hair transplant.
Sources:
- www.bbc.com/mediacentre/articles/2025/strictly-come-dancing-2025-celebrity-contestants-confirmed
- www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/bbc-strictly-come-dancing-2025-32280817
- www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/strictly-come-dancing-2025-cast-line-up/
