By Asyia Iftikhar
Copyright metro
All 15 couples were revealed on Saturday night’s 2025 Strictly launch show (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is underway and on Saturday night’s launch show all 15 celebrities found out their dance partners for the series.
The BBC reality competition series, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, is back for another year of jaw-dropping dance routines and emotional journeys for our cohort of famed contestants.
After weeks of build-up, the 15 celebrities finally met their dance partners for 2025, with Strictly producers introducing two new faces as part of the professional line-up.
Viewers got to know 25-year-old American dancer Alexis Warr and 30-year-old Aussie dancer Julian Caillon during Saturday’s show, with the two coming over from Dancing With the Stars.
The long-running reality show has had to shake off a few scandals over the last 12-18 months, but it returned in confident form during Saturday’s explosive comeback.
So, with Strictly Come Dancing finally back, let’s run through the couples who’ll be hoping to dance their way into your hearts over the next three months.
Lewis Cope & Katya Jones
Lewis Cope was brought in at the last minute (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Emmerdale star Lewis Cope was announced as Kristian Nairn’s replacement after the Game of Thrones actor was forced to drop out of the competition.
The 30-year-old revealed before the competition that he was looking for a dance partner who will ‘push him,’ and joked he’s going to go out of his way to impress judge Shirley Ballas.
Well, he’s definitely going to be getting what he wants, with Katya Jones being revealed as his dancing partner for the next three months.
Katya won the competition in 2017 with her partner Joe McFadden, and finished strongly with her partner Wynne Evans last year, eventually finishing 8th.
Lewis said in a statement ahead of Saturday’s show: ‘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 has already emerged as an early favourite to take home the Glitterball, despite not being part of the original line-up.
Karen Carney & Carlos Gu
Karen Carney is paired up with returning pro Carlos Gu (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Karen Carney was the 14th celebrity to be announced for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, and she’s been paired with Carlos, who was absent from the 2024 edition of the show.
This was despite Carlos finishing as a runner-up in 2023, dancing with Molly Rainford, and then finishing sixth with Angela Scanlon in the 2024 series.
Karen was revealed as a Strictly contestant for this year on Vernon Kay’s BBC Radio 2 show, which was guest-hosted by Gary Davies on the day she was announced.
The new BBC dancing star is a former footballer who is now the lead female pundit for both men’s and women’s football, across TNT and ITV.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Karen said in a press release: ‘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!’
Ross King & Jowita Przystal
Will Ross King have to rearrange his panto plans? (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Lorraine’s very own US showbiz reporter Ross King was confirmed as the 13th contestant on the TV show, and he’ll be dancing with Jowita Przystal.
However, while Polish dancer Jowita won the competition alongside Hamza Yassin in 2022 and finished fifth with Pete Wicks last year, Ross thinks she’ll have her work cut out.
‘Obviously I’m never going to win, but if I’m the most improved… [I will have] been lucky. I’ve done musicals, but I don’t dance.’
There’s also the small matter of Ross singing up to do a Christmas pantomime that’s meant to start before the Strictly grand finale for this year.
He continued: ‘I’ve been lucky that they put me in a routine and then they all dance around me and make me look good!’
Stefan Dennis & Dianne Buswell
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell will be making history (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Stefan Dennis, who’s best known for playing Paul Robinson on the popular soap Neighbours, has been paired with fellow Aussie and last year’s winner Dianne Buswell.
Dianne and her partner Chris McCausland lifted the Glitter Ball trophy in December 2024 after a remarkable campaign that saw her go one better than her runner-up finish with Bobby Brazier.
Actor Stefan, 66, was the twelfth celebrity to join the new series, and the news was announced when he met his fellow dancer Vicky Pattison on the This Morning sofa.
Stefan revealed that he’s signed up for the series because he’s been looking for an opportunity to step out of his comfort zone in the world of television, following the end of Neighbours – a show he was the star of for 40 years.
Dianne, of course, will be making Strictly history as the first dancer in the history of the competition to take to the floor while pregnant.
Vicky Pattison & Kai Widdrington
Vicky Pattinson insists she’s a ‘drinker, not a dancer’ (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Vicky Pattison was the eleventh celebrity contestant announced to appear on Strictly 2025, and she’ll be dancing alongside returning pro Kai Widdrington.
She’s best known for appearing on Geordie Shore, but has made a name for herself since appearing on the show as a TV personality and presenter.
However, Kai might have a big task on his hands after Vicky confessed to being a ‘drinker, not a dancer’, comparing herself to moves to a ‘drunk aunty’.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Vicky commented: ‘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 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!’
Thomas Skinner & Amy Dowden
Amy Dowden is back after having to drop out last year (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Thomas Skinner was the tenth celebrity contestant confirmed to be part of the show, and on Saturday we found out that he’ll be paired with returning pro dancer Amy Dowden.
The TV personality, social media star and businessman is best known for his appearances on The Apprentice, and is considered quite a controversial pick.
After spending time with American right-wing politico JD Vance, his casting was criticised by others in the media, and things got worse when he had to apologise after allegedly snatching a journalist’s phone during a Strictly press conference.
Amy is getting back on the dancefloor after being forced to retire midway though the competition in 2024, with Lauren Oakley stepping in to partner Amy’s dancing bud JB Gill.
Thomas said: ‘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!’
Ellie Goldstein & Vita Coppola
Ellie Goldstein is making Strictly history this year (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Trailblazing model Ellie Goldstein was the ninth contestant to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing this year, and she’ll be dancing with Vito Coppola.
Ellie made history in 2023 as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue.
She said about joining the Strictly cast: ‘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!’
Vito has a stunning record on Strictly, finishing as a runner-up twice and a winner once. In fact, he won the competition with another dancer named Ellie, so the omens are good.
Chris Robshaw & Nadiya Bychkova
Chris Robshaw is trading the rugby field for the ballroom (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw was the eighth celeb to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 roster.
The sporting icon became captain at 23 years old, earning 66 caps for England and captaining the national team 43 times. In 2016, he led the team to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory.
‘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.’
Nadiya hasn’t had the best time of it on Strictly in recent years, having only made it to Blackpool twice in the six years she’s been a professional dancing partner.
She’ll be hoping to beat her record from last year, which saw her dumped out in 15th place as she and partner Tom Dean were the first couple sent home.
La Voix & Aljaž Škorjanec
Meanwhile, La Voix will be trading the runway for the dance floor (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Singer and 2024 RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist La Voix was the seventh contestant to slide onto the dance floor, and the drag superstar has been paired with Aljaž Škorjanec.
On joining Strictly, La Voix 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.’
La Voix is in trusty hands with Slovenian dancer Aljaž, who won the series back in 2013 and has made the top 10 in every year that he’s been a professional partner.
Last year, he made it all the way to the final with partner Tasha Ghouri, before losing out to Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland.
George Clarke & Alexis Warr
George Clarke will be dancing with a new Strictly professional (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The sixth contestant to twirl into the 2025 ballroom was George Clarke, and he’ll be dancing alongside a newcomer – American dancer Alexis Warr.
George is known as George Clarkey online, where he is a YouTuber and social media star known to millions for his comedy content. He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline podcast.
On joining Strictly, he said: ‘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.’
Fans thought that George might already have accidentally leaked that his dancer partner was Lauren, but that’s turned out not to be the case.
Hailing from Utah, Alexis joins Strictly from US series Dancing With the Stars, on which she was part of the large dance troupe.
Balvinder Sopal & Julian Caillon
EastEnder Balvinder Sopal is dancing with a newcomer (Picture :BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Balvinder Sopal confirmed she was joining Strictly Come Dancing on Good Morning Britain, and second newcomer Julian Caillon has been revealed as her partner.
‘I can’t stop butterflies. Every time I think about it, they just go,’ Balvinder said – the actress is best known for starring as Suki Panesar in EastEnders.
She said in a statement: ‘I’ve dabbled [with dance] a little bit. I did ballroom and Latin as a kind of hobby, and I really love it. And I think when you’ve got a passion for something, you’re naturally kind of inclined to enjoy it.
Despite having a little bit of dancing in her past, she’s admitted: ‘I don’t know if I’ll be any good! It is about telling the story with your feet, with your body, and not speaking.’
She continued: ‘So, you know, I won’t have to learn any lines, which would be great, but it’ll be like learning a new language, I think.’
Australian dancer Julian also joins from Dancing With the Stars – however, he comes to Strictly from the Australian version of the long-running reality show.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink & Lauren Oakley
Can the former footballer make it work on Strictly? (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the final contestant to appear on The One Show, confirming he will be swapping the football pitch for the ballroom.
Joining him will be Lauren Oakley, who brilliantly stepped in and helped JB Gill to reach the Strictly Come Dancing grand final after his original partner Amy Dowden had been forced to drop out for medical reasons.
The ex-pro footballer has said of his upcoming Strictly experience: ‘Honestly, I have no idea what to expect. I have a little bit of rhythm.’
Jimmy played for clubs including Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, carving out a prolific goal-scoring career in the Premier League and across Europe.
After retiring, Jimmy has been both a football pundit and a football manager, and was last in charge of Burton Albion as of 2022.
Alex Kingston & Johannes Radebe
Will River Song be tempted into a Riverdance? (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Alex Kingston tuned in from a holiday in Italy to confirm she had signed up for the Strictly Ballroom, and she’s now found out that she’ll be dancing with the lovely Johannes Radebe.
The 62-year-old actor, who played River Song on Doctor Who (aka The Doctor’s wife) opposite three Doctors on screen, had been rumoured as a member of the Strictly cast for weeks before
Alex admitted that she had lurched from feeling ‘excited’ to feeling ‘terrified’, which means that having a calming presence like Johannes as a partner will be what she needs.
While Johannes has never won Strictly, he’s finished in the top eight in all five of the last editions of the competition, reaching as high as second with John Waite.
Alex said about joining the Strictly cast: ‘When I saw Sarah Hadland performing last year, I just thought, she’s done it, and not only has she done it, she went all the way.
‘I reached out and asked her what her experience was, and she was really honest with me about how hard it is, how overwhelming it can be, but also how it absolutely changed her life.’
Dani Dyer & Nikita Kuzmin
(Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Dani Dyer was the first Strictly contestant to be announced during a special The One Show episode that revealed three dancers.
The 28-year-old reality star, and daughter of national treasure Danny Dyer, was rumoured to have signed a pre-show contract earlier this year. She’s been paired with fan favourite dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
When asked what her parents made of her signing up to Strictly, Dani said they’re ‘so excited’, adding: ‘It’s just such a fun, magical show and to be asked to do it was just such an honour.’
She did admit she’s nervous, though. ‘I think it’s picking up the routines and being on live telly, it petrifies me. It’s just the whole thing of being able to perform.’
In previous years, Nikita has experienced mixed fortunes – with his second place finish with Layton Williams being followed up by a 10th place finish with Sam Quek.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey & Karen Hauer
Gladiator Harry has met his partner for Strictly 2025 (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Olympian and star of BBC’s Gladiators, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, was the first famous face confirmed to be gracing the Strictly ballroom this autumn.
The TV personality already took part in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with pro-partner Nancy Xu, and now he is back for round two.
This time he’ll be partnered with Karen Hauer, with Nancy not involved in Strictly Come Dancing on this occasion, after finishing ninth with Shayne Ward last year.
Speaking about joining Strictly, 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 at picking up the routines as I am on the track,’ he said in a statement.
The multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter was announced as Nitro in the high-stakes BBC gameshow in 2023, hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh.
A version of this article was originally published on August 11.
Watch the next episode of Strictly Come Dancing: BBC One, September 27.
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