Strictly Come Dancing has returned to our screens with a sparkling launch show – and here are this year’s couples.
Fans were introduced to 15 brand-new celebrities tonight with the hotly-anticipated 2025 series now in full swing.
The new recruits showed off their moves for the first time in a group dance…and there is definitely room for improvement among some of them!
There was a performance from popstar Jessie J and an emotional reunion between reigning champions Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell. Last year’s winners recreated their emotional Waltz to You’ll Never Walk Alone. The dance originally left fans in tears and later won them the television BAFTA for Memorable Moment.
But which celebrity is paired with which pro dancer this year, we hear you cry? Here is the full line-up of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing couples.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Couples revealed
The competition can really get going now the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 couples have been revealed. Viewers saw the new pairings unfold as each celebrity met their partner for the first time.
This series, ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston has been partnered with Johannes Radebe. EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal with be twirling around the ballroom with a Strictly newbie. She has been matched with Australian dancer Julian Caillon, who joins the BBC show this year.
Former rugby player Chris Robshaw is dancing with Nadiya Bychkova. Their pairing is of little surprise, as Chris is 6ft 2ins and Nadia is 5ft 8ins. Love Island star Dani Dyer has been matched with Nikita Kuzmin, while model and actress Ellie Goldstein is with Vito Coppola.
Social media star George Clarke will be dancing on Strictly with the show’s other new face, American pro Alexis Warr.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – aka Nitro – is returning to Strictly Come Dancing after appearing in last year’s Christmas special with Nancy Xu. This year, he will be competing on the BBC show with Karen Hauer.
Retired footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is with Lauren Oakley, while Strictly has paired former Lioness Karen Carney with Carlos Gu. La Voix will be dancing with Aljaž Škorjanec, soap star Lewis Cope with Katya Jones and showbiz reporter Ross King is dancing with Jowita Przystał.
It’s a case of ‘good friends’ for Neighbours star Stefan Dennis. He’s with fellow Australian Dianne Buswell. The Apprentice’s Thomas Skinner is with Amy Dowden. Former reality star Vicky Pattison and pro dancer Kai Widdrington complete the line-up of Strictly 2025 couples.
Strictly Come Dancing: The judges
It’s no surprise that the Strictly Come Dancing judges made a big entrance in the launch show. Shirley Ballas is back as Head Judge and she is sitting alongside Anton du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.
Shirley has described Strictly Come Dancing’s 2025 couples as “the cast of all casts”. Before the launch show, she said: “That’s right, Strictly is well and truly back – and more iconic than ever. We’ve got the cast of all casts.”
Shirley added: “I get a front row seat to the best show on television, I mean who wouldn’t want that?”
Anton said he is “giddy with excitement”, while Motsi shared his enthusiasm. It is Craig’s 21st year on Strictly Come Dancing. He said: “People often ask if I ever get bored and I say no! Each year brings a completely new cast and that’s the beauty of Strictly.”
Tess and Claudia are back
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are also back for another year. The hosts pulled out all the stops and wowed viewers with their glitzy launch show outfits on Saturday night.
Tess said she was particularly looking forward to seeing the celebrities’ first group dance. Having hosted the show for 21 years, Tess can now spot the winners from the start.
Tess said: “The highlight of the launch show is watching that first group dance. It’s the very first time we see the celebrities step on the dance floor. From that moment, I’ve learnt to spot who has the potential to make it all the way through the competition.”
Claudia, meanwhile, lifted the lid on her backstage secrets. She added: “I must eat crisps and I always squeeze Tess before we go live. I get very, very nervous.” Who knew?!
Strictly Come Dancing’s next show
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One next weekend, on Saturday September 27. This will be when the competition really gets underway. There will be a live show on Saturday night, followed by the Results show on Sunday September 28.
It will be the first time each of the Strictly 2025 couples will perform for the judges. Who will be out first? Who will make it all the way? Strap in, as the journey is beginning!
Read more: Complaints pour in minutes into Strictly Come Dancing launch show
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