It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and brush up on your cha-cha-chas because Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is back!
This year’s series has kicked off on BBC One with the dance competition’s annual pre-recorded launch programme. Celebrity pairings include former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden, Ru Paul’s Drag Race star La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec, and model Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola.
Other contestants who joined the show include Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ER star Alex Kingston, TikTok personality George Clarke, Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison and Dutch footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, among others.
One star who won’t be appearing is Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn, who withdrew from the competition on 21 August due to medical issues. He was quickly replaced by Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, who proved to be a standout dancer during the first group performance, alongside his partner Katya Jones.
Another strong contender this year appears to be Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, AKA “Nitro”, and his pro partner Karen Hauer, who impressed fans during the first dance.
We’ll see you back here for the first live show, which starts at 6.55pm next Saturday.
Recap the live updates from Saturday night’s launch show, below...
Strictly Come Dancing news
- Strictly Come Dancing full list of celebrity and professional pairings
- Meet this year’s most controversial contestant
- Strictly stars ‘confirm’ romance one year after competing on show
- Who dropped out of Strictly?
- Dianne Buswell becomes first professional to compete on the show whilst pregnant
Thank you and goodnight!
Saturday 20 September 2025 21:16 , Ellie MuirMeet us back here for the first live show, which starts at 6.55pm next Saturday. Our Strictly expert Rachel McGrath will be here, too.
In the meantime, check out the full list of pairings and let us know your thoughts on tonight’s show in the comments. Keeeeep dancing.
Some viewers aren't happy about the Thomas and Amy pairing...
Saturday 20 September 2025 21:13 , Ellie MuirSome viewers have highlighted how the spotlight on Thomas’s participation in the series may impact Amy’s longevity on this year’s competition, while others suggested that the dancer’s popularity among fans may help Skinner’s chances.
Dowden was unable to compete in the last two seasons of Strictly due to her recovery from breast cancer in early 2024 and a subsequent foot injury that saw her withdraw from last year’s competition.
Find out more below:
Strictly fans express frustration over controversial pairing
Here's the full list of pairings
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:38 , Ellie MuirNow it’s time to take in all of this year’s couples ahead of next week’s live show.
We’ve got Amy and Thomas, La Voix and Aljaž and Alex and Jojo.
Find out more below:
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners
My verdict...
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:28 , Ellie MuirThe natural dancers from that group routine seemed to be Lewis Cope and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Everyone else seemed a bit... stiff? But it’s only week one. Let’s staaaart dancing!
Roll on next week’s live show. Thanks for following along!
The time to dance has arrived, finally!
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:24 , Ellie MuirWho’s a natural dancer? Who’s got two left feet?
Well, we’re about to find out in this rendition of “APT” by Bruno Mars and Rosé.
The Aussies are bonding!
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:22 , Ellie MuirDianne Buswell and Stefan Dennis are sharing stories about their hometowns. What a nice duo.
Claudia Winkleman is giving 'Traitors', isn't she?
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:20 , Ellie MuirClaudia is foregoing the Strictly sparkles and totally channelling The Traitors today. The eyeliner, the all-black outfit and the jet-black bob. Good to have you back, Clauds.
Thomas Skinner is dancing with Amy Dowden!
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:17 , Ellie MuirControversial former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner has been partnered with series fan-favourite Amy Dowden.
In 2023, Dowden was absent from the series as she underwent treatment for stage three breast cancer. She returned in 2024 and was briefly partnered with JB Gill but was forced to drop out after a foot injury, with Lauren Oakley taking her place.
Thomas then mentioned his breakfast arrangements (I heard spicy noodles?) – Amy doesn’t seem pleased.
It’s….Stefan Dennis and last year’s champ Dianne Buswell
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:15 , Ellie MuirAn Aussie pairing!
It's YouTuber George Clarke and new pro Alexis Warr!
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:14 , Ellie MuirYouTube star George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr are another all-new partnership, with 2025 marking Warr’s debut as a Strictly professional.
American dancer Warr is no stranger to dancing competitions – she has competed on the US version of Strictly, Dancing with the Stars, as well as performing on America's Got Talent, World of Dance and several national tours of the US.
British YouTuber Clarke, also known as George Clarkey to his millions of followers, rose to prominence after sharing humorous skits and challenges online.
It's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley!
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:13 , Ellie MuirDutch football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is partnered with pro Lauren Oakley.
In 2023, Oakley was paired with her first celebrity partner, broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy, and they made it to week eight of the competition. She replaced Amy Dowden on last year’s series and made it to the semi-final with former JLS singer JB Gill.
New pairings just in – it’s Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer!
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:12 , Ellie MuirFormer Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known as Nitro to Gladiators fans, will be partnered Karen Hauer, the show’s longest serving female professional. Hauer, who joined the series in 2012, lifted the glitterball trophy with Jamie Laing in 2020.
This isn’t Aikines-Aryeetey’s first time on the Strictly floor – he took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu.
Thomas Skinner says he feels like the 'underdog'
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:09 , Ellie Muir“The only dancing I’ve done is at weddings,” he says. “I thought on Saturdays I could go down to the market, go and see West Ham and do a bit of dancing.” Turns out Strictly is more involved than he realised.
Who is the 'bosh' man?
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:06 , Ellie MuirI’m glad you asked. Find out everything you need to know about him below...
Thomas Skinner: The controversial Strictly star who rose to fame on The Apprentice
Dianne Buswell becomes first professional to compete on the show whilst pregnant
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:02 , Ellie MuirBuswell, who met her partner Joe Sugg on the show in 2018, announced earlier this month that they’re expecting their first child together.
'Apprentice' star Thomas Skinner has already dropped his catchphrase: bosh...
Saturday 20 September 2025 20:00 , Ellie MuirBosh count: 1
Prepare to hear that phrase a lot.
Chris McCausland urges contestants to 'give it back' to judge Craig Revel Horwood
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:58 , Ellie MuirChris urges the incoming contestants to “give it back” to meany judge Craig. Last year, Chris had witty one-liners to throw back at Craig’s scathing criticism each week.
Meanwhile, Chris and Dianne have an unbreakable friendship after their time together on the show. Dianne jokes she’s going to get a new partner in five minutes and forget about him!
Okay, where are my tissues?
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:55 , Ellie MuirSuch a beautiful routine. Head Judge Shirley is looking emosh. Me too, Shirley.
Get your tissues ready! Chris and Dianne are back...
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:54 , Ellie MuirLast year’s champions Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell are dancing their triumphant waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, which scored a perfect 40 when they competed on the show last year.
Chris was the first blind contestant to compete – and win – the series. Chris tells the camera that he made “people forget he was blind” and helped to break down stereotypes surrounding disabilities.
Musical moment from Jessie J
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:51 , Ellie MuirTonight’s musical guest is Jessie J. This is her first performance after undergoing treatment for early-stage breast cancer. She’s singing her new single “Living My Best Life”.
Choreography is from Luba Mushtuk, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones and Gorka Márquez. Neither of them has a celebrity partner this series, meaning they will be ensemble dancers and on the bench for any injuries.
Vicky Pattison is very watchable
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:48 , Ellie MuirShe’s great fun. She says she has “posture like a croissant”. Claudia suggested she should develop her posture to be like a baguette instead.
The Clauditorium is so back.
It's Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:45 , Ellie MuirBalvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon will both be Strictly newbies on this series.
Caillon, a ballroom TV star from Australia, is new recruit for the professional dancer cast, with 2025 marking his first year on the series.
Karen Carney is dancing with Carlos Gu!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:43 , Ellie MuirFormer England footballer Karen Carney OBE is partnered with Chinese National ballroom Champion Carlos Gu.
The sports presenter will be Gu’s third partner since he joined the series in 2022, dancing alongside CBBC star Molly Rainford in his debut year. He was paired with presenter Angela Scanlon in 2023 and narrowly missed out in the quarter finals.
It's Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:41 , Ellie MuirA perfect pair.
In 2023, Goldstein was the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue – and has also appeared in a campaign for fashion brand Gucci. She has gone on to appear in the CBBC series Malory Towers and published two books about her life.
Coppola joined the show in 2022 and had a rapid rise to success, winning the competition the following year with his partner Ellie Leach. He was a runner-up on last year’s series alongside Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
Next up...It's Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:40 , Ellie MuirGeordie Shore star and presenter Vicky Pattison will be hoping to impress the judges alongside pro dancer Kai Widdrington, who went without a partner in last year’s series.
Pattison shot to fame after appearing on Geordie Shore from 2011 to 2014, and went on to win I’m a Celebrity in 2015 and appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
The next five pairings are up....
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:39 , Ellie MuirFirst up, it’s Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe! A lovely duo.
Alex is known for her roles in the US medical drama ER and in sci-fi series Doctor Who.
Johannes’s previous dance partners have included chef John Waite, tennis player Annabel Croft and Gladiators star Montell Douglas, with whom he finished in sixth place in last year’s series.
'EastEnders' star Balvinder Sopal says 'Strictly' is a 'dream come true'
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:35 , Ellie MuirShe claims she’s seen every episode of the dancing programme, ever. An impressive feat!
Alex Kingston says her bedsheets were 'carnage' after her first Strictly fake tanning session
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:33 , Ellie MuirMeanwhile, ex Lioness Karen Carney reveals she got stuck in a pair of high heels for four hours.
I'm still not over that fancy pros routine?
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:32 , Ellie MuirI’ve never seen such a high-budget Strictly routine... ever?
It's Ellie Goldstein!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:27 , Ellie MuirEllie has modelled for Gucci, Vogue and adidas.
Find out everything you need to know about her, below...
Our new male pro, Australian dancer Julian Caillon, says he grew up watching 'Geordie Shore'
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:24 , Ellie MuirHe’s clued up on British culture, then.
Meet our new pros!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:21 , Ellie MuirThey are Alexis Warr, former winner of the US series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, and Julian Caillon, a ballroom TV star from Australia.
They’re having a royal welcome in the form of a very high-budget professional’s routine and underwater pool moment?
La Voix is a hoot
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:17 , Ellie MuirLa Voix and Aljaž have already got that comedy duo dynamic going on. A great match.
Ross King is already weeping – and his first dance has been revealed
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:16 , Ellie MuirRoss is already getting emosh. Jowita reveals that their first dance (in next week’s live show) will be a cha cha cha to “California Gurls” by Katy Perry. Absolute banger.
It's Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:15 , Ellie MuirFormer England rugby union player Chris Robshaw is partnered with Nadiya Bychkova.
Bychkova joined the show in 2017 and has been in a relationship with fellow professional and fan-favourite Kai Widdrington. She’s been partnered with Blue singer Lee Ryan, singer-songwriter Matthew Goss and Olympic gold medallist Tom Dean, who was eliminated in week one during the 2024 series.
Next up: La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:13 , Ellie MuirRuPaul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix is partnered with long-time Strictly pro Aljaž Škorjanec, who's been with the programme since 2013.
Škorjanec has made it to the final twice: in 2017 with Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson and last year with Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri.
It's...Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:12 , Ellie MuirLove Island star Dyer is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.
This will mark Kuzmin’s fourth year on Strictly, with his previous partners including Tilly Ramsay, Ellie Symonds and Sam Quek. In 2023, he partnered with actor and singer Layton Williams, and they reached the final before losing out to Coronation Street star Ellie Leach.
It's Lewis Cope and Katya Jones!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:11 , Ellie MuirEmmerdale star Lewis Cope may have been a last-minute draft-in, but he’s in good hands with long-time pro Katya Jones.
Jones, who joined Strictly in 2016, won the show in 2017 alongside Scottish actor Joe McFadden. Last year, she was partnered with opera singer Wynne Evans and forced to speak out when a video of Jones removing Evans’s hand from her waist went viral.
Ross King will be cha cha cha-ing with Jowita Przystał
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:10 , Ellie MuirGood Morning Britain presenter Ross King is partnered with Jowita Przystał, who competed in last year’s competition alongside The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks.
Przystal joined Strictly in 2021, rapidly making a name for herself by winning the Glitterball trophy with her first celebrity dance partner, Hamza Yassin in 2022.
Lorraine makes a cameo
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:09 , Ellie MuirITV’s Hollywood correspondent Ross King got a well-wishing VT from Lorraine Kelly and nearly teared up! He’s proving to be good fun so far.
Lewis Cope was a last minute draft-in, but he's settling in quickly
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:06 , Ellie MuirLewis Cope was brought in to replace Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn, who was forced to withdraw from the competition on medical grounds.
The 30-year-old Emmerdale star, who plays Nicky Milligan, said he was walking down Oxford Street on his way to meet a friend when he received the phone call saying he’d be part of the show.
It's... Dani Dyer – no, not that one!
Saturday 20 September 2025 19:00 , Ellie MuirIt’s former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, the daughter of actor Danny.
Get to know her, below...
Get to know La Voix!
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:59 , Ellie MuirLoving La Voix’s vibe. She’s Strictly ready.
La Voix’s journey from Britain’s Got Talent and Drag Race UK to Strictly Come Dancing
Our Strictly stars for 2025...
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:58 , Ellie MuirOur 15 celebs have emerged on the Strictly staircase for their crowning moment. It’s Dani Dyer (not that one), Alex Kingston, Nitro from The Gladiators, Karen Carney, YouTuber George Clarke, Drag Race UK star La Voix and presenter Vicky Pattison. Plenty more where that came from.
A new judge's table!
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:54 , Ellie MuirGoodbye Perspex. Hello, new sparkly judge’s table. Craig isn’t a fan, though.
The cast are getting their spray tans, naturally
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:51 , Ellie MuirThe spray tan machines are out. I’d expect nothing less.
Find out everything you need to know about this year's contestants
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:49 , Ellie MuirWho’s who? Who’s George Clarke? We’ve got you covered...
Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland are rightly in the spotlight
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:48 , Ellie MuirLast year’s winners, Dianne and Chris, made a strong appearance in the opening segment. Now we’re onto the professionals’ opening routine – there are sparkles, giant stairs, mesh shirts and fringe skirts. We are so back!
And we're off!
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:42 , Ellie MuirTess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are here to greet us. Welcome back!
Everything you need to know about Thomas Skinner
Saturday 20 September 2025 18:23 , Ellie MuirThe casting of Apprentice starThomas Skinner has proved controversial in recent weeks. Find out everything you need to know below...
Thomas Skinner: The controversial Strictly star who rose to fame on The Apprentice
Chris McCausland is back tonight!
Saturday 20 September 2025 17:32 , Ellie MuirYou might want to get the tissues at the ready, because last year’s winners Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell will dance their prize-winning waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” on tonight’s programme.
The waltz won this year’s public-voted Bafta TV memorable moment award, and scored a perfect 40 from the judges on last year’s series.
Meanwhile, pop star Jessie J will perform, marking one of her first major appearances since undergoing breast cancer surgery earlier this month.
Read more here:
Stefan Dennis: From memorable Neighbours villain to Strictly 2025 star
Saturday 20 September 2025 16:14 , Ellie MuirStefan Dennis was one of Neighbours’ longest-serving stars, playing Ramsay Street’s villainous businessman Paul Robinson in its very first episode in March 1985.
Find out everything you need to know about him below...
Meet Ross King, ITV's Los Angeles correspondent
Saturday 20 September 2025 15:12 , Ellie MuirRoss King is best known for dishing out the Hollywood gossip on ITV’s various daytime TV shows. Will his dancing finesse match up to his presenting skills?
First look at tonight's show!
Saturday 20 September 2025 14:27 , Ellie MuirHere’s a sneak peek at what’s happening in tonight’s pre-recorded episode – including photos of the professional’s routine and Chris and Dianne’s waltz.
Next up... meet Karen Carney
Saturday 20 September 2025 14:15 , Ellie MuirShe is England’s third most-capped player of all time, but will she have what it takes to win over the Strictly judges?
England footballer Karen Carney’s journey from the pitch to the Strictly dance floor
It's time to meet this year's contestants
Saturday 20 September 2025 13:12 , Ellie MuirFirst up: find out what you need to know about Lewis Cope, the Emmerdale star who stepped in to replace Kristian Nairn after the Game of Thrones actor withdrew from the competition.
Meet Lewis Cope: Strictly’s last-minute contestant and star of Emmerdale
A brief history of the Strictly scandals
Saturday 20 September 2025 11:21 , Jacob StolworthyFor all the cheerful smiles and dazzling routines, StrictlyCome Dancing’s wholesome brand has been threatened by a string of allegations associated with the show in recent years.
Catch up on all the allegations and events that have unfolded since 2023:
This year’s Strictly lineup
Saturday 20 September 2025 10:55 , Jacob StolworthyFind the rundown of every celebrity taking part in Strictly 2025 here:
Strictly 2025 timings
Saturday 20 September 2025 10:32 , Jacob StolworthyHere are all the details you need to know about tonight’s launch show.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start date confirmed – and we don’t have to wait long
Strictly is here!
Saturday 20 September 2025 10:12 , Jacob StolworthyWelcome to our Strictly launch live blog! We’ll be with you all day in the lead up to the new series, and will be providing you with all the updates you need during tonight’s episode.
