BBC reveals first celebrity dancers for Strictly’s 23rd series, with more names to follow

The countdown to Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is officially on, as the BBC unveils the first names stepping onto the famous ballroom floor this autumn.

The 23rd series of the hugely popular dance competition will once again see celebrities paired with professional dancers to compete for the Glitterball Trophy. All contestants are revealed gradually in the lead-up to September’s launch, and the first batch already promises an eclectic mix of sporting legends, acting talent, and reality TV favourites.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – Footballer Turned Dancefloor Rookie
Former Dutch international striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is trading goal nets for glitter. Known for his prolific career with clubs including Atlético Madrid and Chelsea, Hasselbaink later became a football pundit and served as assistant coach for the England national team.

The ex-footballer credits his daughters for getting him into the show:

“I’m a father of only girls, and Strictly is part of our home life. I’ve got into it. I like the show. Let’s have a go. Honestly, I have no idea what to expect. I’m competitive and I’m going to do my best – otherwise I’ll get some serious stick at home.”

Alex Kingston – From ER to the Cha-Cha
Acclaimed actor Alex Kingston, best known as Dr Elizabeth Corday in US drama ER and River Song in Doctor Who, is also joining the line-up. Kingston’s credits include Arrow and A Discovery of Witches, and now she’s taking on the Strictly challenge at 62.

Inspired by her friend, actor Sarah Hadland, who competed last year, Kingston said:

“I thought, ‘My God, I’m in my sixties – just go for it. What do you have to lose?”

Dani Dyer – Reality Star Ready for the Rumba
Winner of Love Island series four and daughter of actor Danny Dyer, Dani Dyer has built a career as a presenter and occasional actress, including a cameo in EastEnders alongside her father. Recently married to West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen, she admits she’s nervous about the live shows:

“It’s such a fun, magical show. To be asked to do it was such an honour. Picking up the routines… being on live telly petrifies me.”

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – Sprinter with Sparkle
Olympic medal-winning sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, now known as “Nitro” in the Gladiators reboot, completes the first wave of announcements. Having competed in last year’s Strictly Christmas special, he’s keen for more:

“After the Christmas special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m ready to give it all I’ve got and light up the dance floor.”

Professional Dancers & New Additions
All professional dancers from last year’s series will return, including Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, Gorka Marquez, and Vito Coppola. They will be joined by two new faces:

• Alexis Warr – winner of So You Think You Can Dance USA (2022)
  
• Julian Caillon – Australian ballroom dancer and physiologist
  

When Will Strictly 2025 Start?
An exact start date hasn’t been confirmed, but the show traditionally launches in the third weekend of September.

The BBC will be hoping for a smooth run after previous controversies involving professional dancers. Last year’s new safeguarding measures appeared to restore audience trust, and ratings rebounded.

With football icons, TV favourites, and Olympic champions already on board, the 2025 series is shaping up to be one of the most varied in years — and more celebrity reveals are expected in the coming days.