By Hayley Anderson

Copyright dailystar

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Strictly Come Dancing. Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has kicked off, revealing the line-up of celebrities set to dazzle viewers this year. BBC fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Strictly since comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell clinched the Glitter Ball Trophy last year. Now, a fresh batch of 15 celebrities are ready to wow not only the audience at home but also the discerning judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas. On Saturday, 20 September, the famous contestants were paired with their professional partners who will guide them through the competition and teach them the steps each week. Here’s a complete list of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 celebrities and their professional partners. Jimmy, a former professional footballer and manager, is best known for his “prolific goal scoring career”. Discussing his move to the Strictly family, Jimmy said: “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.” He has been paired with Birmingham-born dancer Lauren Oakley, who has been part of the show since 2022. Ellie, a model, actress and influencer, made history two years ago when she became the first woman with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Earlier this year, she joined the cast of BBC’s Malory Towers as Nancy Mahe. Ellie expressed her excitement, saying: “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.” She will be partnered with Italian dancer Vito Coppola, who won the show in 2023 alongside Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach. Balvinder Sopal, known for her work in theatre, radio, film and television, is best recognised by soap fans as Suki Kaur Panesar – now Unwin – on EastEnders since 2019. She will be dancing with Australian-born newcomer Julian Caillon, who has previously performed on America’s Dancing With The Stars. Balvinder shared her enthusiasm, stating: “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!” George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, a YouTuber, podcaster and social media influencer, has been paired with fellow newcomer Alexis Warr, who won So You Think You Can Dance three years ago. He humorously announced: “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.” Former England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw has admitted he’s stepping out of his “comfort zone” with Strictly, aiming to elevate his “dad dancing to a whole new level”. He further joked: “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 is set to dance with Ukrainian professional Nadiya Bychkova, who has been part of the Strictly team since 2017. Alex Kingston, best known for her role as River Song in the 2006 series of the fantasy sci-fi drama, has also joined the line-up. Her other notable roles include Douglas Is Cancelled, A Discovery of Witches, The Widow and the iconic medical drama ER, where she played Elizabeth Corday. She will be partnered with Strictly fan-favourite South African dancer Johannes Radebe, who currently has a biopic film based on his life story and his memoir JoJo: Finally Home, in the works. Love Island winner and actor Danny Dyer’s daughter, Dani Dyer, is also preparing to waltz around the ballroom with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. She expressed her excitement, saying: “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.” Nikita, the Ukrainian dancer, took a break from Strictly last year to appear in Celebrity Big Brother , where he was announced as the runner-up. Actor Stefan Dennis, famous for his role as Paul Robinson in Neighbours, describes this as a chance to venture beyond his usual boundaries. He enthused: “Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.” Stefan has been paired with reigning champion Dianne Buswell, who recently revealed she’s expecting a baby with former contestant and partner Joe Sugg. Vicky Pattison shot to stardom on reality series Geordie Shore but has since established herself as a recognisable face across television. After triumphing in series 15 of I’m A Celebrity …Get Me Out of Here, she’s carved out careers as a presenter, writer, podcaster and radio personality. She’ll be taking to the floor with Kai Widdrington, who has previously guided presenters AJ Odudu and Kaye Adams, plus broadcaster Angela Rippon. Vicky confessed she’s “absolutely buzzing” to enter the Strictly universe whilst simultaneously feeling “terrified”. Two years back, Harry Akines-Aryeetey was revealed as joining the revived Gladiators cast under the moniker Nitro. Before his BBC stint, Harry competed as an Olympian, securing numerous gold medals representing Team GB in sprinting events. He’s been matched with Venezuelan professional Karen Hauer, who has remained part of the Strictly family for 13 years. Ross King regularly appears on breakfast television, contributing to ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles reporter. He declared: “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 has been paired with Polish professional Jowita Przystal, who recently revealed she’s now dating former Towie favourite Pete Wicks – her dance partner from last series. Karen is a former footballer who represented Arsenal, Birmingham City, England and Chelsea during her playing career. She’s currently the top female pundit covering both men’s and women’s football for TNT and ITV . She revealed: “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 will be embarking on her Strictly adventure alongside Chinese professional Carlos Gu, who’s been part of the programme for three years. Actor Lewis Cope became part of ITV’s Emmerdale cast in 2022 as Nicky Miligan, though he’s been performing since childhood, including a stint in the West End’s Billy Elliot the Musical. He’ll be partnered with seasoned Strictly pro Katya Jones, who memorably delivered that iconic Gangnam Style performance with ex-politician Ed Balls. Thomas is probably most familiar to viewers from his appearance on business reality programme The Apprentice in 2019, though he was eliminated in the ninth week. He has since made appearances on various programmes including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and Celebrity Masterchef, often sharing motivational videos. Thomas will be paired with Welsh dancer Amy Dowden, who had to withdraw early from last year’s competition due to a stress fracture in her foot. She was also unable to perform the previous year after being diagnosed with grade three breast cancer, but thankfully, she is now in remission. La Voix, a drag performer, presenter and singer who competed in the 2024 series of BBC’s RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, will be dancing with Slovenian dancer Aljaz Skorjanec. Aljaz joined the show in 2013 and is married to former Strictly star Janette Manrara, who also hosts the spin-off show It Takes Two. Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.