By Tianna Corbin

Copyright walesonline

There’s excitement mounting for Strictly Come Dancing fans as this weekend, BBC viewers will find out this year’s pairings during the pre-recorded launch show. On Saturday, people will see the 15 celebrity contestants matched with one of the show’s professional dancers, following one pro’s recent pregnancy announcement. This year, there are two new additions to the pro line-up, as Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon are set to make their Strictly debut very soon. Speaking about joining the show, Julian said: “Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I’ve watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who’ve been part of it. I can’t wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special!” Before the duo takes to the dancefloor, 30-year-old Julian touched on this year’s contestants, admitting he’s a huge fan of one person in particular. When asked if there were any stars he was excited to meet, Julian told Radio Times : “Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink! I’m a massive Chelsea fan, so I was super-excited to meet both him and Karen Carney [both former Chelsea footballers], to the point where I turned up for the celebrity day in a Chelsea jersey. And Stefan Dennis is an Aussie icon from Neighbours.” Although Alexis confessed she wasn’t familiar with many of them, having grown up in America. She added: “I grew up in the States. so I wasn’t super-familiar with any of them and was excited to meet them all.” Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is one of 15 people competing for the Glitterball trophy this year, alongside the likes of Dani Dyer, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, Ellie Goldstein and Vicky Pattison. Also taking to the dancefloor this year will be Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Alex Kingston, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Thomas Skinner, Ross King, Karen Carney and Lewis Cope. Currently, Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, who plays Nicky Milligan on the ITV soap, is the bookies favourite to win the programme. According to Betway, the actor is leading the way with odds of 11/4 to raise the glitterball, with Ellie close behind, whose odds stand at 3/1. On the other hand, ITV showbiz reporter Ross King isn’t predicted to make it far on the show with odds of 66/1 to win. Speaking about taking part in the series, Ross commented: “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!'” Strictly Come Dancing is back on iPlayer and BBC One from 6.40pm on Saturday September 20 2025.