The BBC has confirmed the celebrity contestants for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, which will air on iPlayer and BBC One this autumn. The line-up includes Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, actor Alex Kingston, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal.
Other contestants include YouTuber George Clarke, drag performer La Voix, former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, and model Ellie, who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to appear on the cover of British Vogue. Businessman Thomas Skinner, TV presenter Vicky Pattison, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, presenter Ross King, former footballer Karen Carney, Welsh actor Amber, and broadcaster Dani Dyer complete the initial line-up.
However, Dani Dyer has withdrawn from the series after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals. In a statement, she said: 'I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny... 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.'
Executive Producer Sarah James expressed disappointment, 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.'
Additionally, La Voix withdrew during Blackpool Week due to injury, Stefan Dennis left after Week 4 due to injury, and Kristian Nairn withdrew for medical reasons before the series began.
