The BBC's hit dance competition Strictly Come Dancing has secured its first celebrity contestant for the 2025 series, with pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor officially joining the line-up.
The Murder on the Dancefloor singer, 45, is set to swap the recording studio for the ballroom as she takes on the challenge of learning Latin and ballroom routines under the watchful eye of the show's professional dancers.
A Musical Background Meets Dancefloor Challenge
Ellis-Bextor brings a wealth of performance experience to the competition, having entertained audiences worldwide with her distinctive voice and disco-inspired hits. However, the singer admits this will be an entirely new challenge: "I'm used to singing on stage, but dancing properly? That's a whole different story!"
Production Changes for 2025 Series
The 2025 series will see some changes behind the scenes, with:
- New professional dancers joining the roster
- Updated scoring rules from the judges
- Fresh choreography styles to challenge contestants
While the full celebrity line-up won't be revealed until later this year, Ellis-Bextor's early confirmation has already generated significant buzz among Strictly fans.
What Can Viewers Expect?
The 2025 series promises to maintain the show's signature glamour while introducing innovative elements to keep the format fresh. With Ellis-Bextor's participation confirmed, speculation is mounting about which other celebrities might be lacing up their dancing shoes for the new season.
The show typically begins filming in late summer, with the live broadcasts starting in September on BBC One.
