Strictly returns tonight: Which celebrities are taking part?
Strictly is back! Join Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as they welcome 15 new famous faces to the ballroom.
The launch show starts with a bang as the entire Strictly family hit the dance floor for an epic opening performance. Two new professionals arrive in style with a sizzling poolside routine, Jessie J provides music and 2024 Strictly champions Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell return for one last dance together.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke keep a watchful eye over proceedings as 15 new partnerships are formed, but who will be paired with whom?
Our brand new couples then take to the floor as our celebrities show off their moves for the very first time.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Nitro
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.— Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators.
Dani Dyer
Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.— Dani Dyer
Dani Dyer is a TV personality, broadcaster, author and mother of three.
Alex Kingston
Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!— Alex Kingston
Alex Kingston is an award-winning actor and star of stage and screen.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
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.— Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
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.
Balvinder Sopal
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!— Balvinder Sopal
Balvinder Sopal is an actor whose career spans theatre, radio, film and television. She is most known for playing the infamous Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders since 2019.
George Clarke
Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in... and potentially fall over a fair bit.— George Clarke
George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star.
The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course.
La Voix
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.— 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.
Chris Robshaw
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.— Chris Robshaw
Chris Robshaw is a former England rugby union player and captain.
Ellie Goldstein
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 dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!— Ellie Goldstein
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.
Thomas Skinner
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! 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!— Thomas Skinner
Thomas Skinner is a TV personality, social media star and businessman.
Vicky Pattison
I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am a not a natural dancer! 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!— Vicky Pattison
Vicky Pattison is a TV presenter, author, podcast and radio host.
The remaining celebrity contestants joining the new series will be announced in due course.
Stefan Dennis
This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.— Stefan Dennis
Stefan Dennis is an actor, known to millions as Paul Robinson from Neighbours.
Ross King
From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom - 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! As my mum always said: 'You’ll never know till you give it a go!'— Ross King
Ross King is a presenter and writer, seen daily on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles Correspondent.
Karen Carney
It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line up. I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part. I’m so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!— Karen Carney
Karen Carney 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.
Lewis Cope
I'm so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing. I've always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!— Lewis Cope
Lewis Cope is an actor and Emmerdale star.