Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Complete Guide to this year's competition

The newest series of Strictly Come Dancing is now in full swing. Heres a complete guide to the celebrities taking part, notable exits, and the latest on the competition.

Strictly Final

The grand finale is scheduled to air on BBC One on Saturday, December 20.

Celebrity Highlights

Alex Kingston

Known for mastering time travel in Doctor Who, Alex Kingston left the show in Week 10 after a dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon. Inspired by friend Sarah Hadland, Kingston embraced the challenge despite being in her sixties. She described her journey as incredible and praised her dance partner Johannes Radebe for their friendship and teamwork.

La Voix

Performer Chris Dennis, known as La Voix, had to withdraw due to an ankle injury during rehearsals. A finalist from Drag Race UK 2024, La Voix also appeared on ITVs Queens for the Night and Paramounts Queen of the Universe. La Voix expressed gratitude for the experience, saying it made them braver, happier, and more confident.

Vicky Pattison

The former Geordie Shore star and 2015 I'm a Celebrity winner faced a disappointing exit in Week 8 after a clumsy jive in the dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon. Pattison admitted nerves affected her performance and expressed her disappointment.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro)

Olympic sprinter and Gladiators star, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, competed as Nitro. He left after a dance-off with La Voix, with judges noting his solid performances but acknowledging the rising standard of his competitors.

Ellie Goldstein

Trailblazing model Ellie Goldstein, the first model with Downs syndrome on the cover of Vogue, was voted off along with partner Vito Coppola. Her presence brought emotion and inspiration to the series.

Jimmy Hasselbaink

The former footballer and pundit was eliminated after a dance-off against Amber Davies, despite earning his highest score of the series. Judges commented on the surprising nature of his exit.

Stefan Dennis

The Australian actor, best known as Paul from Neighbours, withdrew due to a torn calf injury.

Chris Robshaw

Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw was voted off after losing a dance-off to Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon. He had been partnered with Nadiya Bychkova.

Ross King

Television correspondent Ross King, who reports from Los Angeles for ITV, was eliminated during Movie Week alongside partner Jowita Przysta.

Thomas Skinner

Former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner was the first to leave the series after a dance-off against Chris Robshaw.

Kristian Nairn

Known as Hodor from Game of Thrones, Kristian Nairn withdrew prior to the series due to medical reasons.

Dani Dyer

The Love Island star withdrew after an injury, having been partnered with Nikita Kuzmin.

Amber Davies

Joining the series as Dani Dyers replacement, actor and West End performer Amber Davies made her debut with excitement, hoping to honor Danis contribution to the show.

Lewis Cope

Best known for his role on Emmerdale, Cope will make his Strictly debut. He expressed enthusiasm for swapping acting for the dance floor.

Balvinder Sopal

EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal joined the show, bringing her extensive theatre, radio, and television experience to the ballroom.

Karen Carney

Former footballer and sports presenter Karen Carney is competing, hoping to follow in the footsteps of former England teammate Alex Scott. She described joining Strictly as a dream come true.

George Clarke

Social media personality George Clarke, famous for comedy skits and collaborations with the Sidemen, joins the competition with excitement despite limited dance experience.

Professional Dancers 2025

Returning pros include Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przysta, Johannes Radebe, Alja korjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola. New additions Alexis Warr, winner of So You Think You Can Dance US 2022, and Australian ballroom dancer Julian Caillon join the line-up.

Judges

The judging panel remains the same as last year, featuring Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, with Anton Du Beke now a permanent judge.

Author: Sophia Brooks