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Full Glitterball Roster Revealed: Who Are The Strictly Contestants 2025? The BBC has announced the full line-up of celebrities for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, confirming a cast that balances established acting talent, sporting heroes, and figures prominent in youth media. The highly anticipated roster for the twenty-third series features a historic focus on diversity, including the show's first contestant with Down syndrome, alongside figures whose casting has already generated significant public debate. The celebrities will enter the ballroom when the show returns for its traditional launch show in September, with the aim of emulating last year's winner, comedian Chris McCausland, who lifted the Glitterball Trophy in an emotional final. Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are set to return, as are judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke. A Focus on Representation and Visibility The 2025 cast is notable for the continued commitment by the BBC to showcase contestants who reflect the diversity of the UK. Among the most widely celebrated additions is model and influencer Ellie Goldstein, who is making history as the first celebrity with Down syndrome to participate in the main competition. Her casting follows years of viewer calls for greater representation on mainstream Saturday night television. Speaking during the announcement, Ms Goldstein described the opportunity as “a dream come true” and hoped to inspire others.
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The line-up also includes drag queen and West End performer La Voix, marking the show’s first drag artist contestant on the flagship series, following successful casting of same-sex couples in previous years. This signals a deepening embrace of LGBTQ+ talent, moving beyond the format's earlier, more conservative traditions. Sporting Prowess and Small Screen Veterans As is customary for the show, a strong contingent of athletes has swapped sporting arenas for the dancefloor. Former England Rugby Union captain Chris Robshaw and Dutch footballing legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink are both signed up, continuing the tradition of high-achieving sports figures tackling the rigorous demands of Latin and Ballroom. They are joined by Olympic sprinter and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, whose previous appearance in the Christmas special gave viewers a glimpse of his potential. The world of acting is represented by established television veterans. Alex Kingston, known for her roles in ER and Doctor Who, joins the competition, having reportedly been inspired by her friend, actor Sarah Hadland, who was a runner-up in the 2024 final. Also joining is Balvinder Sopal, who plays the much-loved character Suki Panesar on the BBC soap EastEnders, a consistent source of popular contestants.
Public Debate and Last-Minute Changes The casting process has not been without incident. Thomas Skinner, the former Apprentice contestant and social media personality, has proved a polarising choice. His inclusion has prompted debates among viewers and critics regarding the show's tone, particularly after the emotionally charged and unifying victory of Mr McCausland in the previous series. Further unexpected drama unfolded weeks before the official launch, when television personality Dani Dyer-Bowen was forced to withdraw after sustaining a fractured ankle during preliminary training. She was swiftly replaced by West End star and fellow reality television winner Amber Davies, a last-minute swap that entertainment analysts believe could significantly raise the technical standard of the competition. “The BBC has walked a very deliberate tightrope this year,” commented Dr Eleanor Vance, a cultural analyst specialising in broadcast media at the University of Westminster. “On the one hand, they have secured deeply meaningful casting choices like Ellie Goldstein, which reinforces the programme’s social value. On the other, the inclusion of Thomas Skinner indicates a clear strategic play to generate the necessary 'water cooler' conversation and media noise that keeps a franchise buoyant in a crowded market.
” A spokesperson for BBC Entertainment, speaking anonymously, stated that the aim of the casting process was simple: “To reflect the breadth of talent and personalities that make up the UK. Strictly has always been a journey of personal transformation, and we are confident this group will deliver moments of profound joy, genuine surprise, and the sheer entertainment the audience loves. Every single celebrity brings a unique story and a willingness to embrace the challenge. ” Outlook for the Series With the professional dancer pairings now confirmed, the celebrities are immersed in intense training ahead of the first live show at the end of September. The early dynamics suggest a competitive series, with high technical expectations set for theatre-trained contestants like Ms Davies, balanced against the anticipated emotional journeys of the sporting and diversity-led additions. The BBC will be hoping that this mix of light and shade, skill and surprise, will translate into another successful season, cementing Strictly Come Dancing's status as one of Britain’s most important and unifying entertainment programmes.
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