The official Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestants include a diverse mix of 15 celebrities, ranging from Olympic sprinters and soap legends to reality TV stars and award-winning actors. The series, which launched on September 20, 2025, features notable names such as Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, and ER star Alex Kingston. While the initial cast was set, the competition saw early shifts: actor Kristian Nairn withdrew due to health reasons and was replaced by Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope, while Dani Dyer was forced to exit after a training injury, with Amber Davies stepping in as her replacement.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn the final confirmed line-up, the professional pairings for the 23rd series, and the ultimate winner of the Glitterball trophy. We also provide practical details on how the season unfolded, from the Blackpool specials to the historic final episode featuring the departure of long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro)
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, famously known as Nitro from the rebooted Gladiators, was the first celebrity confirmed for the 2025 series on August 11. An Olympic sprinter for Team GB, Harry swapped the track for the ballroom to bring his high-speed athleticism to the Cha Cha Cha and Salsa.
Partnered with professional dancer Karen Hauer, Harry was a fan favorite for his explosive energy and physical prowess. Despite his competitive nature, he was eliminated in the tenth week of the competition following a tense dance-off.
Balvinder Sopal
Balvinder Sopal, best known for her commanding role as Suki Panesar in EastEnders, joined the cast to realize a long-held personal dream. Her participation was announced via The One Show, where she expressed her excitement about swapping the drama of Walford for the glamour of the rumba.
She was paired with new professional dancer Julian Caillon, marking his first season with a celebrity partner. The duo impressed the judges with their storytelling, eventually finishing in the late stages of the competition as the tenth couple to be eliminated.
Alex Kingston
Award-winning actress Alex Kingston, renowned for her roles in ER and as River Song in Doctor Who, brought a touch of Hollywood class to the 23rd series. She joined the line-up with a playful “Aaaaagghhh!” of excitement, signaling her readiness for the intense training schedule.
Dancing alongside Johannes Radebe, Alex delivered some of the most emotionally charged performances of the season. The pair navigated several weeks of complex routines before being eliminated in the eighth week of the live shows.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Former Premier League striker and Dutch football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink brought his famous footwork to the dance floor at age 53. He joked about avoiding “own goals” as he traded the football pitch for the precision of ballroom choreography.
Paired with Lauren Oakley, Jimmy focused on mastering his posture and elegance throughout the autumn. He became the fourth celebrity to leave the competition on October 26, after a spirited attempt at the Paso Doble.
George Clarke
George Clarke, the popular YouTuber, podcaster, and social media personality, represented the younger generation of viewers in the 2025 line-up. At age 25, he admitted to having no prior dance experience but was eager to “get stuck in” and entertain his millions of followers.
Paired with new professional Alexis Warr, George proved to be a natural performer and a dark horse in the competition. He successfully reached the grand final, finishing as a highly respected runner-up on December 20.
La Voix
The charismatic drag performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist, La Voix, made history as a standout theatrical presence in the 2025 series. Known for her powerful vocals and stage presence, she aimed to transition from “La Voix” to “La Danse” under the bright lights.
She was partnered with returning favorite Aljaž Škorjanec, creating a partnership full of humor and high-energy routines. Unfortunately, La Voix was forced to withdraw from the competition on November 22 due to injury, ending her journey prematurely.
Chris Robshaw
Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw took a significant leap out of his comfort zone by joining the Strictly class of 2025. Standing at 6’2″, he required a tall partner and was eventually paired with Nadiya Bychkova for the duration of his stay.
Chris applied his professional athlete’s discipline to the training room, though he struggled with the fluidity of the Latin dances. He was the third contestant to be eliminated from the show on October 19.
Ellie Goldstein
Trailblazing model and actress Ellie Goldstein joined the cast to bring “magic and sparkle” to the ballroom. As a high-profile advocate for disability representation in fashion, her participation was hailed as a landmark moment for the long-running BBC series.
Ellie was paired with Vito Coppola, and the duo’s infectious chemistry made them a highlight of the early weeks. They reached the fifth week of the competition before being eliminated on November 2.
Thomas Skinner
The Apprentice star and businessman Thomas Skinner brought his famous “Bosh!” energy to the 2025 series. Known for his loud personality and viral social media videos, he promised to graft harder than anyone else to master the sequins and sambas.
Partnered with Amy Dowden, Thomas provided many of the season’s most lighthearted moments. However, his technical skills trailed behind his enthusiasm, leading him to be the first contestant eliminated on October 5.
Vicky Pattison
Reality TV veteran and former “Queen of the Jungle” Vicky Pattison finally joined the Strictly family after years of rumors. She admitted to being “terrified” of the live shows but was determined to challenge herself in a new discipline.
Vicky was paired with Kai Widdrington, and the two formed a close bond during their grueling rehearsals. She showed consistent improvement throughout the season, eventually being eliminated in the seventh week on November 16.
Stefan Dennis
Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, famous for playing the villainous Paul Robinson, swapped Erinsborough for the UK ballroom. As one of the most recognizable faces in soap history, he brought a massive international fan base to the competition.
Paired with Dianne Buswell, Stefan was a consistent performer who charmed the audience with his classic showmanship. However, he had to withdraw from the series on October 20 following a medical assessment.
Ross King
ITV’s Hollywood correspondent Ross King brought a dash of Tinseltown glamour to the 2025 roster. Based in Los Angeles, Ross returned to the UK specifically to compete for the Glitterball trophy.
Partnered with Jowita Przystał, Ross showed promise in the ballroom dances but struggled with the faster Latin numbers. He was the second celebrity to leave the competition during the results show on October 12.
Karen Carney
Former England Lioness and sports broadcaster Karen Carney proved that her agility on the pitch translated perfectly to the dance floor. As England’s third most-capped player, her competitive spirit was evident from the very first week.
Paired with Carlos Gu, Karen became the standout star of the series, consistently topping the leaderboard with perfect scores. Her journey culminated on December 20, 2025, when she was crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Lewis Cope (Replacement)
Actor Lewis Cope, known for his role in Emmerdale, joined the cast as a last-minute replacement for Kristian Nairn. Despite having less preparation time than his fellow contestants, he quickly became a fan favorite.
Dancing with Katya Jones, Lewis showcased incredible technical ability and reached the semi-finals. He was the ninth celebrity to be eliminated on December 7, just missing out on a spot in the grand final.
Amber Davies (Replacement)
Love Island winner and West End star Amber Davies was drafted into the competition following Dani Dyer’s withdrawal. With her musical theater background, Amber was immediately identified as a top-tier contender.
Partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, Amber delivered some of the most professional-grade routines of the season. She made it all the way to the grand final on December 20, finishing as a runner-up alongside George Clarke.
Practical Information and Planning
The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing was a landmark season, marking the 23rd year of the competition and the final outing for the iconic presenting duo, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
- Launch Date: September 20, 2025.
- Live Shows: Saturdays at 6:40 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
- Final Date: December 20, 2025.
- Tickets: Free tickets for the live recordings at Elstree Studios were distributed via the BBC Shows and Tours random draw in August.
- Live Tour: The Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour 2026 runs from January 23 to February 12, 2026, visiting cities including Birmingham, London, and Glasgow.
- What to Expect: A mix of 15 celebrity contestants, themed weeks (Movie Week, Icons Week, Blackpool, and Musicals), and live music from the Dave Arch Orchestra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
The 2025 series was won by former England footballer and broadcaster Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu. They beat runners-up Amber Davies and George Clarke in the grand final on December 20.
Who were the judges for the 2025 series?
The judging panel remained unchanged for 2025, featuring Shirley Ballas (Head Judge), Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
Why did Dani Dyer leave Strictly 2025?
Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw from the competition before the first live show after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals. She was replaced by West End actress Amber Davies.
Which professional dancers joined the show in 2025?
Two new professional dancers joined the line-up in 2025: Alexis Warr, winner of So You Think You Can Dance, and Julian Caillon, who previously appeared on the Australian version of the show.
When did the 2025 series start and end?
The series began with a pre-recorded launch show on September 20, 2025, and concluded with a live grand final on December 20, 2025.
Is this the last year for Tess and Claudia?
Yes, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman officially announced their departure from the show on October 23, 2025. The December final was their last live broadcast as hosts.
Where is the Strictly Come Dancing studio located?
The live shows are filmed at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, with the exception of the annual special filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Can I still see the 2025 contestants perform live?
Yes, several stars from the 2025 series, including Karen Carney, George Clarke, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, are appearing in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour throughout early 2026.
What was “Icons Week” in 2025?
Icons Week was a new themed broadcast in Week 5 where the remaining couples performed routines inspired by legendary music icons and legendary figures from entertainment history.
Final Thoughts
The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 series will be remembered as a monumental chapter in the show’s two-decade history. From the groundbreaking inclusion of diverse talent like Ellie Goldstein and La Voix to the high-stakes drama of mid-season replacements, the 23rd series delivered a masterclass in entertainment. The coronation of Karen Carney as the 2025 winner solidified her status as a national treasure, proving that the discipline of professional sports can translate into breathtaking artistry on the dance floor.
As we look toward the future, the 2025 season also serves as a poignant farewell. The departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman marks the end of an era, leaving fans eager to see how the show evolves in 2026. Whether you are reliving the magic of the Blackpool special or preparing to see the cast on the 2026 Live Tour, the legacy of this year’s contestants ensures that the Glitterball’s shine is brighter than ever.
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