The BBC has confirmed the celebrity contestants for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, set to air on BBC One and iPlayer in autumn. The line-up includes Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, actor Alex Kingston, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, YouTuber George Clarke, drag performer La Voix, ex-England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, model Ellie, TV personality Thomas Skinner, presenter Vicky Pattison, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, ITV correspondent Ross King, former footballer Karen Carney, Welsh actor Amber, and broadcaster Dani Dyer.
However, two contestants have already withdrawn from the series due to injury. La Voix, who competed in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2024, left the show during Blackpool Week after sustaining an injury. Stefan Dennis withdrew after Week 4, also due to injury. Dani Dyer fractured her ankle during rehearsals and was forced to pull out before the series began.
Dani Dyer said: 'I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle. Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so I’ve had to pull out of the show. To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement.'
Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, commented: 'Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start. Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she's no longer able to compete in this year's series. 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.'
Kristian Nairn, an internationally renowned actor and DJ, was originally announced as part of the line-up but had to withdraw for medical reasons. The series promises unforgettable group routines, world-class music acts, theme weeks, and the annual trip to the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
