The glitterball has been polished and the dance shoes are ready as Strictly Come Dancing 2025 made its triumphant return to BBC One with a spectacular launch show that set the stage for another unforgettable series.
Meet the Class of 2025
Fifteen new celebrity contestants took their first nervous steps onto the famous Strictly floor, greeted by the thunderous applause of the Elstree studio audience. This year's lineup promises incredible diversity and talent, ranging from sporting legends to beloved television personalities.
The Moment of Truth: Pairing Reveal
The evening's climax arrived as each celebrity discovered which professional dancer would be guiding them through the coming weeks of intense training and performance. The pairings brought gasps of delight and nervous anticipation, with several unexpected matches sure to create fascinating dynamics on the dancefloor.
Judges Ready for Action
Head Judge Shirley Ballas, alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, watched the proceedings with keen eyes, already making mental notes about which celebrities showed natural rhythm and which might need extra help in the coming weeks.
What to Expect This Series
The launch show confirmed that all the beloved Strictly elements return: spectacular group numbers, emotional journeys, and of course, the increasingly elaborate costumes and sets that have become synonymous with the show. The first live show promises to deliver the magic that has made Strictly a national institution.
With the pairings now set and the competition officially underway, the countdown begins to the first live performance show where the celebrities will put their first weeks of training to the ultimate test.
