Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer in autumn 2025 with a fresh line-up of celebrities. The show promises unforgettable group routines, theme weeks, and the annual trip to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. However, a few contestants have already withdrawn due to injuries or medical reasons.
The confirmed contestants include Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, award-winning actor Alex Kingston, former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal. YouTuber George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, and RuPaul's Drag Race UK alum La Voix are also set to compete, though La Voix later withdrew during Blackpool Week due to injury.
Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, trailblazing model Ellie (who made history as the first model with Down syndrome on the cover of British Vogue), TV personality Thomas Skinner, and presenter Vicky Pattison are part of the line-up. Actor Stefan Dennis, known for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours, had to withdraw after Week 4 due to injury.
Other contestants include Good Morning Britain's Los Angeles correspondent Ross King, former footballer Karen Carney, Welsh actor and West End star Amber, and TV personality Dani Dyer. Dani Dyer fractured her ankle during rehearsals and withdrew, expressing heartbreak in a statement. Additionally, actor and DJ Kristian Nairn withdrew for medical reasons before the series began.
Executive producer Sarah James commented on Dani Dyer's departure, saying: 'Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly... We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.'
