Strictly Come Dancing 2025 dazzles audiences every year with sparkling routines, emotional journeys, and unforgettable performances. The 2025 series, officially known as Series 23, delivered all that and more. It ran from September to December 2025 on BBC One and iPlayer. Viewers watched celebrities transform into dancers while facing intense training, live shows, and Newcastle vs Wolves eliminations. The season brought fresh energy with new professional dancers, surprise twists, and a champion who captured hearts nationwide.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestants. You discover the full celebrity lineup, their professional partners, key moments from the competition, the winner, and behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you followed every episode or want to catch up now, this article gives you the latest facts straight from reliable sources like the BBC and official announcements.
What Made Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Special?
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 stood out for several reasons. The BBC kept the core format fans love: celebrities pair with professional dancers, learn ballroom and Latin routines, and compete weekly. Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Sally Bridges-Winslet Craig Revel Horwood scored performances and offered feedback. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted with their signature warmth and humor.
Producers introduced subtle changes to keep things exciting. They welcomed two new professionals who quickly won fans. Some celebrities faced early challenges, including injuries and withdrawals, which added real drama. The series emphasized inclusivity, fun, and personal growth. Contestants came from diverse backgrounds—sports, acting, reality TV, and more—so everyone found someone to root for.
The competition spanned multiple weeks with themes like Movie Week, Halloween, and Blackpool specials. Couples performed group dances and faced dance-offs in tense moments. Viewers voted in huge numbers, influencing who stayed and who left.
The Full Celebrity Contestants Lineup for Strictly 2025
The BBC revealed the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 celebrities gradually in August 2025. Announcements happened on shows like The One Show and Newsround. The initial lineup included a mix of household names and fresh faces. Some changes occurred before and during the series due to unforeseen issues.
Here is the complete list of celebrities who joined or The Traitors Episodes participated:
Karen Carney — Former professional footballer and pundit who became the champion.
Amber Davies — Actress and Love Island winner who replaced an original contestant and reached the final.
George Clarke — Internet personality and content creator who finished as runner-up.
Alex Kingston — Award-winning actress known for ER and Doctor Who.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro) — Olympian sprinter and Gladiator star.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink — Ex-professional footballer and manager.
Balvinder Sopal — EastEnders actress.
La Voix — RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star and performer.
Chris Robshaw — Former rugby captain.
Lewis Cope — Actor who stepped in as a replacement.
Ross King — Entertainment reporter and presenter.
Ellie Goldstein — Model and advocate.
Vicky Pattison — Reality TV star and presenter.
Thomas Skinner — Businessman and Apprentice star (eliminated early).
Stefan Dennis — Neighbours actor.
Original contestants who withdrew early: Dani Dyer (Love Island winner, due to injury) and Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones actor).
The lineup blended sports stars, actors, reality personalities, and performers. This diversity created exciting matchups and stories. Replacements like Amber Davies and Lewis Cope jumped in smoothly and made big impacts.
Professional Dancers and Iconic Pairings
Professional dancers bring skill, passion, and choreography to Strictly. In 2025, the lineup included returning favorites and newcomers. All previous pros Your Party (UK) returned except a few adjustments. New pros Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr debuted and earned praise for their creativity.
Key professional dancers included:
Dianne Buswell
Nadiya Bychkova
Amy Dowden
Karen Hauer
Katya Jones
Neil Jones
Nikita Kuzmin
Gorka Marquez
Luba Mushtuk
Jowita Przystal
Kai Widdrington
Johannes Radebe
Vito Coppola
Nancy Xu
Carlos Gu (partnered with winner Karen Carney)
Plus newcomers Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr
Memorable pairings shaped the season:
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu — They built strong chemistry and lifted the Glitterball Trophy.
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin — Replacement duo who soared to second place.
George Clarke and Alexis Warr — Creative pair who earned runner-up spot.
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe — Elegant routines that wowed judges.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and his pro — Athletic energy shone through.
La Voix and Carlos Gu (or partner) — Bold, theatrical performances.
Some pros like Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, and others did not get partners initially but contributed to group numbers.
Journey Through the Competition: Key Highlights and Eliminations
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 kicked off with the launch show on September 20, 2025. Live shows started the next week on September 27. The series ran for about 13 competitive weeks, ending with the final on December 20, 2025.
Early weeks featured high energy as couples learned basics. Halloween Week brought spooky routines, while Blackpool delivered grand spectacles. Some contestants struggled with injuries or nerves, but most pushed through inspiringly.
Notable moments:
Early eliminations included Thomas Skinner in Week 2 after tough critiques.
Balvinder Sopal and her partner exited later in a dance-off.
Withdrawals added twists: Dani Dyer fractured her ankle in training, and Kristian Nairn stepped back before launch.
Replacements Amber Davies and Lewis Cope adapted fast and climbed leaderboards.
Tension built toward the semi-final and final. Couples performed two dances each in the final. Judges’ scores combined with public votes decided the winner.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu triumphed. They delivered polished, emotional routines throughout. Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin took second, while George Clarke and Alexis Warr claimed third. The final scores showed close competition: Karen topped with high totals, followed closely by Amber (77 points in one tally) and George (72).
Why Karen Carney Won Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Karen Carney, the former England footballer, claimed the Glitterball Trophy on December 20, 2025. She partnered with Carlos Gu. Karen impressed everyone with her dedication, quick learning, and joyful performances.
She tackled tough dances like the Argentine Tango and Showdance with confidence. Her sports background helped with discipline and stamina. Viewers Soaring with the Eagles loved her humility and growth from nervous beginner to confident dancer. Judges praised her technique and emotion.
Karen’s win marked another sports star victory, following past champions like athletes and footballers. Her story inspired many, showing anyone can learn to dance with hard work.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama and Positive Vibes
Every Strictly series brings some controversy, and 2025 was no exception. Rumors circulated about on-set issues, but the show focused on positivity. Producers emphasized welfare and support for all involved.
The season highlighted inclusivity. Contestants like Ellie Goldstein advocated for representation, while La Voix brought vibrant drag energy. Amy Dowden returned strongly after health challenges, adding emotional depth.
Fans celebrated the friendships formed. Pros and celebs shared training struggles and triumphs on social media, building community.
What Viewers Loved Most About the 2025 Series
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 earned rave reviews for its entertainment value. High production quality, stunning costumes, and live band music elevated every performance. The mix of humor, tears, and triumphs kept audiences hooked.
Many praised the judges’ constructive feedback and the hosts’ engaging style. The series boosted mental health conversations through honest stories of vulnerability.
Looking Ahead: Strictly Come Dancing’s Future
After the 2025 finale, excitement builds for the next series and the live tour. The 2025 tour featured past stars, but fans already speculate about 2026 contestants.
The show remains a BBC staple, blending tradition with fresh ideas. It continues to unite families and celebrate dance.
10 FAQs About Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Contestants
1. Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2025, and who was their professional partner?
Karen Carney, the former professional footballer, won Series 23 on December 20, 2025. She partnered with professional dancer Carlos Gu. They delivered standout performances that combined technical skill with heartfelt emotion, earning top scores and massive public support throughout the competition.
2. How many celebrities started in Strictly Come Dancing 2025, and were there any replacements?
The series began with around 15 celebrities, but some withdrew early due to injuries or other reasons. Dani Dyer pulled out after fracturing her ankle during What Nights is Traitors On training, and Kristian Nairn left before the launch. Replacements Amber Davies and Lewis Cope joined and made strong impressions, with Amber reaching the final.
3. When did Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start and finish?
The launch show aired on September 20, 2025, introducing pairs and group performances. Live competitive shows began on September 27, 2025. The grand final took place on December 20, 2025, crowning the winner after weeks of intense dancing and voting.
4. Which professional dancers were new to Strictly in 2025?
Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr debuted as professional dancers in Series 23. They quickly adapted, choreographed creative routines, and paired with celebrities effectively. Alexis Warr reached the final with George Clarke, proving their talent and earning fan favorites status.
5. Who were some early eliminations in Strictly 2025?
Thomas Skinner, the Apprentice star, left in Week 2 after facing tough critiques and a dance-off. Other early exits included some lower-scoring couples. Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon departed later in a dramatic elimination that shocked many viewers.
6. What made Karen Carney’s journey so inspiring on Strictly 2025?
Karen Carney transitioned from a football career to ballroom dancing with remarkable dedication. She overcame initial nerves, mastered complex routines, and showed genuine joy on the floor. Her partnership with Carlos Gu highlighted teamwork, leading to her well-deserved Glitterball win.
7. Did any celebrities face injuries or withdrawals in Strictly 2025?
Yes, injuries impacted the series. Dani Dyer withdrew after breaking her ankle in training, while others managed minor setbacks. The show supported everyone through physio and adjustments, emphasizing contestant wellbeing amid the demanding schedule.
8. Who reached the final three in Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu won first place. Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin took second after a strong run as a replacement pair. George Clarke and Alexis Warr finished third, delighting fans with their innovative and entertaining dances.
9. How did the judges influence Strictly 2025 outcomes?
Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood provided detailed feedback every week. Their scores guided the leaderboard, while public votes decided dance-offs and eliminations. Balanced critiques helped contestants improve and kept competition fair.
10. Where can I watch Strictly Come Dancing 2025 episodes now?
All episodes from Series 23 are available on BBC iPlayer for catch-up viewing. Highlights, full dances, and behind-the-scenes content remain accessible. The BBC often keeps past series online for fans to relive the magic of the 2025 season.
To Get More Entertainment Insights Click On
Strictly Scores: The Ultimate Guide to Leaderboards and Stats
Star-Studded Cast of Absentia: Actors, Roles, and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
Sizzling Saturdays: The BBC’s Saturday Kitchen in 2026
Who Left Strictly Last Week? Full Results and Analysis
To Get More Info: North England News