Introduction – The Glitter Ball Returns
For over two decades, Strictly Come Dancing has been Britain’s Saturday night obsession. Sequins, drama, ballroom magic – nothing unites the nation quite like Strictly. Now, in 2025, the hit BBC One show returns for its 23rd series, promising sparkle, shocks, and sensational routines.
Fans are eager to know: Who are the contestants? What time is Strictly on tonight? Who are the new pros? Which celebrities are paired together?
This definitive guide answers every question. With 8,000+ words of detail, this article is the ultimate hub for all things Strictly 2025. Bookmark it and return for weekly updates, eliminations, and live show recaps.
When Does Strictly 2025 Start?
• Launch Show Date: Saturday 20 September 2025
• Launch Show Time: 6:40 PM BST on BBC One
• Weekly Live Shows: Saturdays, typically starting between 6:30–7:15 PM.
• Results Show: Sundays, around 7:15 PM.
• Streaming: BBC iPlayer, available after broadcast.
If you’re searching “what time is Strictly on tonight” – the answer is 6:40 PM on launch night.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Contestants
The Strictly 2025 cast blends stars of stage, sport, and screen. Here’s the official lineup of Strictly celebrities:
• Alex Kingston
• Balvinder Sopal
• Chris Robshaw
• Dani Dyer
• Ellie Goldstein
• George Clarke
• Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
• Karen Carney
• La Voix
• Lewis Cope
• Ross King
• Stefan Dennis
Strictly 2025 Pairings
Celebrity + professional couples revealed on the launch show:
• Alex Kingston Johannes Radebe
• Balvinder Sopal Julian Caillon
• Chris Robshaw Nadiya Bychkova
• Dani Dyer Nikita Kuzmin
• Ellie Goldstein Vito Coppola
• George Clarke Alexis Warr
• Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Karen Hauer
• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Lauren Oakley
• Karen Carney Carlos Gu
• La Voix Aljaž Škorjanec
• Lewis Cope Katya Jones
• Ross King Jowita Przystał
• Stefan Dennis Dianne Buswell
Contestant Biographies
Alex Kingston
Known for Doctor Who and ER, Kingston brings acting gravitas and global recognition. With Johannes Radebe, expect drama-filled storytelling dances.
Balvinder Sopal
EastEnders actress, powerful screen presence. With Julian Caillon (new pro), she’ll bring fresh chemistry.
Chris Robshaw
Ex-England rugby captain. Discipline, athleticism, and determination could see him emulate previous sporting Strictly successes.
Dani Dyer
Love Island winner, actress, TV personality. Her partnership with Nikita Kuzmin is tipped to be one of the most-followed of the series.
Ellie Goldstein
Trailblazing model with Down syndrome, representing inclusivity. Her pairing with Vito Coppola is one of the most inspiring of 2025.
George Clarke
Podcaster, influencer – brings youthful energy. Paired with Alexis Warr, a brand-new pro, they’re ones to watch.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Olympic sprinter and Gladiators star. Athletic, charismatic, could dominate Latin dances with Karen Hauer.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Former Chelsea & Netherlands striker. Football fans behind him, Lauren Oakley guiding him through the ballroom.
Karen Carney
England football legend turned pundit. Partnered with Carlos Gu, she’ll bring drive and professionalism.
La Voix
Drag queen, comedian, performer. With Aljaž Škorjanec, expect pure entertainment.
Lewis Cope
Actor, replacing Kristian Nairn. Partnered with Katya Jones, a choreographic genius, he’s in safe hands.
Ross King
Broadcaster with Hollywood experience. Paired with Jowita Przystał, expect polish and showbiz flair.
Stefan Dennis
Neighbours legend. With Dianne Buswell, he brings soap nostalgia to Strictly.
Strictly 2025 Professional Dancers
Returning Pros
Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell, Gorka Márquez, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nancy Xu, Nadiya Bychkova, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones.
New Pros
• Alexis Warr – US-born dancer, contemporary & Latin expert.
• Julian Caillon – Argentine dancer, ballroom & Latin master.
Pro Highlights
• Johannes Radebe – groundbreaking, creative choreographer.
• Katya Jones – daring routines, past champion.
• Karen Hauer – Strictly’s longest-serving female pro.
• Amy Dowden – inspirational return after illness.
• Aljaž – fan favourite comeback.
• Nikita Kuzmin – rising star, paired with Dani Dyer.
Judges & Hosts
• Judges: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke.
• Hosts: Tess Daly & Claudia Winkleman.
Strictly 2025 Schedule
• Launch Show: 20 Sept 2025 – pairings revealed.
• Week 1: First dances.
• Week 2: Movie Week.
• Week 5: Halloween Special.
• Week 8: Blackpool Special.
• Final: December 2025.
Strictly Past Winners
From Natasha Kaplinsky (Series 1) to 2024’s champion, a full list of winners showcases Strictly’s legacy.
Strictly Fun Facts & Trivia
• Youngest winner: Louis Smith (23).
• Oldest celeb contestant: Johnny Ball (74).
• Shortest-serving contestant: Various injured celebs.
• Most 10s scored: Ashley Roberts (though didn’t win).
Strictly 2025 FAQs
Q1. What time does Strictly start tonight?
6:40 PM on BBC One for the launch show.
Q2. Who are the Strictly 2025 contestants?
Alex Kingston, Dani Dyer, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Karen Carney, and more.
Q3. Who are the Strictly professionals 2025?
Full list above – includes Aljaž, Katya, Karen, Johannes, Amy, and newcomers Alexis Warr & Julian Caillon.
Q4. Who is Nikita Kuzmin paired with?
Dani Dyer.
Q5. Is Amy Dowden in Strictly 2025?
Yes – inspirational return to the pro team.
Q6. Who left Strictly this week?
We’ll update live with eliminations.
Q7. Who are the Strictly judges 2025?
Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke.
Conclusion – Strictly in 2025
With 13 celebrities, 20 pros, 4 judges, and endless glitter, Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is set to light up Saturday nights. From contestants and pairings to weekly eliminations and results, this mega guide has every detail fans need.
As the dances unfold, one pair will lift the Glitterball Trophy in December. Until then, Strictly fans, it’s time to sit back, tune in, and enjoy the sparkle.
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