The 15 celebrities taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 were revealed earlier this month. However, after Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn pulled out of the competition, the BBC has been forced to bring in a stand-in.
The new contestant was announced on The One Show on August 21.
Earlier this month, Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was announced at the first star taking part. He is best known for being a part of the BBC’s Gladiators, known to fans as his alter-ego Nitro. He also took part in the 2024 Strictly Christmas special.
On The One Show, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were announced.
Good Morning Britain added another to the list – none other than EastEnders legend Balvinder Sopal. And George Clarke – the influencer not the architect – was soon announced as the sixth celebrity contestant. Next, came Ellie Goldstein, Chris Robshaw and La Voix.
Apprentice star Thomas Skinner was then announced early on August 14, before Vicky Pattison and Stefan Dennis were announced on This Morning. Ross King, Karen Carney and Kristian Nairn were then announced. Before Kristian’s exit from the show, a replacement was drafted in…
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Emmerdale star Lewis Cope replaces Kristian Nairn
Hours after Kristian’s sudden departure, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope was announced as his replacement.
“I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”
Fans were happy with the news, as one person wrote: “Amazing. He will be brilliant.”
Another shared: “Lewis Cope joining #Strictly – another Emmerdale replacement! That’s mad and HUGE for him. So pleased for him.”
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Lioness Karen Carney joins line-up
“Now this is roar-some! Broadcaster and former Lioness @kazcarney is joining our #Strictly squad in 2025!” the official Strictly Come Dancing page announced.
Karen is a former footballer who played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and England, and is now the lead female pundit for both men’s and women’s football, across TNT and ITV.
With 144 caps, Karen is England’s third most-capped player, competing at four World Cups, four European Championships and the London Olympics before retiring in 2019.
Footie fans were thrilled at the news. One said: “What a great signing to have a Lioness! Potential all-female partnership?” “No way she will be fantastic!” declared another. “What a legend this season is epic already good luck you’ll smash it!” said another. “Omg we actually got a Lioness this year!” said another thrilled fan.
Strictly cast 2025 – Ross King
Ranvir Singh announced the show’s Hollywood reporter Ross King as the 13th contestant for Strictly 2025 on Lorraine.
An emotional Ross had “tears in his eyes” as he was announced as Ranvir cuddled up to him to offer her support.
“My dear old mum, she said: ‘Do your best, it’s all you can do,'” when asked why he signed up. “I certainly don’t think I’m good enough to do it. ” He told the BBC: “It’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show. I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! Let’s give this the best that I can!”
Fans were thrilled as one commented: “Didn’t see that one coming!” Another said: “Something tells me I am going to love Ross and this incredible Strictly line-up.”He’s going to be fun. A ballroom king I think,” said another. “Ooh fantastic can’t wait for this! Ross is so much fun!” said another. “Omg what an amazing choice!! I’m so excited for this year!” another declared.
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Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis
Iconic Neighbours star Stefan Dennis was the 12th contestant announced. He was revealed on This Morning.
Stefan, 66, shot to worldwide fame after appearing in the very first episode of Australian soap Neighbours as bad boy businessman Paul Robinson, back in 1985.
He departed Neighbours in 1992 before returning for a short stint in 1993. He then returned in late 2004 and played the character up until the show’s ending in 2025.
“I’ve had no dance training,” he said, before explaining that his wife is a professional dancer. “She keeps trying to teach me but I’ve buried my head in the sand. ‘No, this isn’t happening,'” he joked.
Fans are thrilled he’s joined the show. One said: “I love him and he will be great. He is iconic and legendary.” “I would have thought he’d do the Australian one,” said another. “Please pair him with Dianne Buswell – then they’ll understand each other!” another joked. “Stefan I’m soo happy love him,” said another.
“A brilliant signing,” said another. “NOW WE ARE TALKING!!! Love Stefan!!” another declared.
Stefan had previously been rumoured to have signed up for the show.
Vicky Pattison joins Strictly line-up
Craig Doyle and Emma Willis announced Vicky Pattison would be joining the class of 2025 during This Morning. The star previously won I’m A Celebrity… back in 2015.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am a not a natural dancer!” she admitted.
“However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don’t make too much of a fool of myself!”
Viewers were quick to react to the announcement. Her BFF Pete Wicks said: “You’re gonna smash it! Top tip…say no to pink PVC!”
Meanwhile, a fan declared: “This might have just saved the series for me!” Another said: “Awww yes!! Hope she enjoys her Strictly journey.” A third then commented: “YES!!! Early predicted winner.” “NO WAY!!!!!!” exclaimed another.
Thomas Skinner joins Strictly line-up
The Apprentice star shared the news that he’d joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 on Sam Thompson’s Hits Radio show.
“I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! ” he said.
Thomas added: “I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh.
“Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!” he said, chucking out his catchphrase.
However, the cheeky chappie got a mixed reaction on social media, with some fans calling him out for supporting President Donald Trump.
“NO. He should be off first,” declared one viewer. “The utterly abysmal Tom Skinner,” said a second. A third added: “The worst signing so far.” Another also commented and said: “A Trump supporter? This is a horrendous decision.”
“First dinner with JD Vance, possible Reform candidate and now this,” said another.
Not everyone felt the same, though, with others commenting on how thrilled they were to see him on the line-up. “Now we’re talking. Brilliant!” said one fan. “Yess come on Tom,” said another.
Strictly 2025 – Ellie Goldstein
BBC Breakfast on August 13 saw another Strictly reveal – Ellie Goldstein joined the line-up!
Ellie is a trailblazing model, actor and influencer, who in 2023 made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Her modelling career has also seen Ellie appear on the covers of Glamour, Elle, Mission Mag and Euphoria magazines, and she has featured in huge campaigns for brands such as Gucci Beauty and Adidas. Two years ago Ellie partnered with Mattel to launch the first ever Barbie with Down syndrome, and more recently her acting has taken centre stage, with a guest lead role in CBBC’s Mallory Towers.
Ellie said: “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!”
Fans were thrilled to hear she’d signed up. One commented: “I love her! Hope she has a fantastic experience on the show!” Another said: “She’ll do brilliantly. I hope she has a very amazing experience on the show. Welcome gal.”
A third then added: “There’s the winner. Simples!!”
Rugby ace Chris Robshaw
Scott Mills revealed Chris would be taking part in the show on his breakfast show.
Chris said: “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.”
He is a former England rugby union player and captain. Chris first joined his childhood club, Harlequins RFC, straight out of school and became captain at 23 years old. He earned 66 caps for England and captained the national team 43 times, leading them to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016. At club level, he played 300 games for Harlequins RFC, guiding them through their most successful era and becoming the only player to win the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Award twice.
Dianne Buswell quipped: “Welcome Chris ! It’s a lucky name!”
Drag Race star La Voix
La Voix is a performer, presenter and singer who competed in the 2024 series of the BBC hit RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
And she’s no stranger to national television. From dazzling on ITV’s Queens For The Night, to belting her heart out on Paramount’s Queen Of The Universe, her journey over the years has been nothing short of iconic. She wowed the judges as a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent and graced the silver screen in the cult comedy Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.
With her live show, La Voix Meets, she’s interviewed legends such as Dawn French, Joanna Lumley, Su Pollard and Vanessa Feltz, and performed for the British Royal Family at their exclusive New Year’s Eve ball two years running.
The star said: “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.”
Oti Mabuse declared:” ABOUT TIME!!! You’ve been dreaming about this for years – I hope it’s everything and more you’ve been waiting for.” “Long overdue but hurrah!” said another. “This is the best booking Strictly has ever made,” said a third.
Influencer George Clarke
25-year-old George Clarke was the sixth name announced. He appeared on Radio One to announce the news.
“I feel like a lot of people will be saying, who?!” George joked when his name was announced. “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, it doesn’t quite feel real.”
George Clarke is a British TikTok and YouTube star with a fan base of more than 12 million followers across multiple platforms. Known for his comedic and relatable content, George has captivated audiences with his unique style, engaging vlogs and collaborations.
His fans were equally shocked and thrilled that he’s signed up to appear.
“Well now I’ve GOT to watch it this year,” said one. Another added: “I can’t deal WHAT THE HELL!” “WHAT! I’m in shock!” declared a third.
Strictly 2025 – Balvinder Sopal joins line-up
Fans were delighted to discover that the Suki Panesar “legend” had signed up for the show.
One said: “She is going to be amazing!! Hope she is paired with Vito!” Another added: “Good luck! EastEnders legend!” A third also commented and said: “Excellent signing!” “Yes yes yes yes yes!!!!” said another happy Strictly fan.
Balvinder herself said: “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!”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink taking part
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a former professional footballer and football manager best known for his prolific goal-scoring career in the Premier League and across Europe.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said: “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.”
Fans LOVE him.
“What a legend – really hope he does well,” said one fan of footballer Jimmy. “Sorry but I was not expecting Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to be doing Strictly this year, that’s so cool!” said another.
Alex Kingston signs up for Strictly 2025
Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston, 62, was the second star announced on The One Show.
She shared: “I’m excited, I was super excited and now I actually am terrified.”
Alex added that she wanted to sign up after her pal Sarah Hadland did it last year. “I just thought, oh my god, she’s done it, and she went all the way. I reached out and I asked her what her experience of having been part of the show was. She was really honest about how hard it was but how it changed her life and she’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Fans were thrilled at the news.
“Suchhhh a good signing I’m SO excited for this!” said one. “Such a throwback having Alex Kingston competing in Strictly this year, all I can think about is her in Doctor Who with David Tennant,” said another. A third then added: “Alex Kingston is incredible! Loved her in Doctor Who as River Song. She is going to be amazing!”
Dani Dyer IS doing Strictly 2025
The daughter of EastEnders legend Danny Dyer, Dani Dyer was announced by Roman Kemp and Alex Scott on The One Show.
“It’s been so hard keeping it secret,” she said, before revealing that her famous dad can’t wait to see her on the dance floor. “They’re so excited. It’s such a fun magical show.”
She also said: “To be asked to do it was just such an honour.”
Fans of the show are thrilled she’s signed up. One commented: “Dani’s gonna be amazing.” Another quipped: “Well that was a terribly kept secret – Dani Dyer.”
Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in Strictly line-up
The news of Strictly’s first celebrity contestant was announced during a prank on CBBC show Newsround.
Harry appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as “world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott”. However, his disguise was rumbled by Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence. After exposing who she was really talking to, Harry gave the real reason he was there – to tell the world he’s taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
On signing up, Harry said: “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.”
Fans soon shared their thoughts online about Strictly’s first celebrity contestant, with some apparently unfamiliar with who Harry is.
“Who? Never heard of him,” said one. Someone else added: “Never heard of him – bet they’ve scraped the barrel this year.”
Meanwhile other fans were over the moon at Harry signing up for the show.
“Yes I love him he’s got such a good personality and he’s a brilliant Gladiator,” declared one. Another gushed: “Good choice. Being an Olympic athlete he’ll have a good approach to training.”
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