Showbiz News
-
-
-
Loading
Loading
The ballroom is calling, and four famous faces are ready to answer! The BBC has officially unveiled the first contestants set to waltz, jive, and cha-cha their way onto the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Leading the pack is Dani Dyer, the bubbly reality TV star who won the hearts of the nation, and the Love Island crown, back in 2018. Dani has remained a firm favourite on British screens, from presenting gigs to her podcast work, and is ready to swap sun loungers for sequins.
Dani Dyer shot to fame when she starred on Love Island in 2018, winning the reality TV show with Jack Fincham – Credit: Mirror
She’ll be joined by Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, the Team GB sprinter turned TV star who has already shown off his competitive streak as “Nitro” on the hit BBC revival of Gladiators. Harry isn’t entirely new to the Strictly family, he competed in last year’s Christmas Special, impressing viewers with his energy and charisma. His participation in the main series was revealed in a cheeky twist on CBBC Newsround, where young viewers were let in on the secret hours before the official announcement.
Aikines-Aryeetey also took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – Credit: BBC
Also stepping onto the dance floor is Alex Kingston, beloved by millions for her role as River Song in Doctor Who and as Dr Elizabeth Corday in ER. With decades of acting experience, Alex says she’s “excited and terrified in equal measure” about tackling the Strictly ballroom. Fans are already speculating whether she’ll bring a touch of sci-fi sparkle to her performances.
The English actress is known for starring in TV shows like hit US medical drama ER, Doctor Who and 1996's The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders - Credit: BBC
Rounding off the first batch of announcements is Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the former Chelsea and Middlesbrough football legend who is swapping the pitch for the paso doble. Known for his determination and quick footwork on the field, Jimmy says he’s ready for a whole new kind of challenge, and hopes his sporting discipline will help him master the Strictly routines.
The Dutch footballer was one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League in the late 1990s with Leeds United, and with Chelsea in the early 2000s – Credit: PA Media
The reveals came in two parts: Harry’s playful Newsround unveiling, followed by Dani, Alex, and Jimmy being announced live on The One Show. This staggered approach has already got social media buzzing, with fans eager to find out who else will complete the class of 2025.
The BBC has promised a star-studded line-up and more surprises to come. As always, the celebrities will be paired with professional dancers, facing weekly eliminations in the race for the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
The launch show is expected to air in September, with the professional dancer line-up already confirmed earlier this year. Fans can expect all the glitz, drama, and unforgettable moments that have made Strictly Come Dancing a must-watch for nearly two decades.
