Mickel Clark
As autumn 2025 arrives, the ballroom is ready for another spin. Strictly Come Dancing returns for its twenty-third series on 20 September 2025, bringing celebrities, drama, controversy, and, of course, dazzling dance routines. The launch show airs on BBC One, followed by live Saturday performances and Sunday results episodes.
This year’s season promises high energy, new professional dancers, unexpected twists, and renewed scrutiny of the show’s format and casting. Here’s your full guide to Strictly 2025, from lineups and rules to behind-the-scenes drama and how to watch.
Hosts, Judges & Format
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from The Celebrity Traitors return as the familiar faces presenting the show. On judging duty, Shirley Ballas remains as head judge, joined once again by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
In terms of format, Strictly 2025 continues with the traditional structure. Couples perform each week in live shows, are scored by the judges (each out of ten), and usually the lowest-scoring couples face a dance-off. The outcome is decided by the judges, and one couple is eliminated each week.
However, a contentious change this year relates to the voting system. Viewers will cast votes online rather than by phone, and there is concern about the brief voting window disadvantaging those who watch via catch-up or iPlayer.
Judge Anton Du Beke has publicly called for a more flexible voting period so fans can vote all week, especially given delays and time zones.
Pro Dancers and New Faces
Most of the professional dancers from 2024 are back for 2025. Names like Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Jowita Przystał, Katya, Neil Jones, Gorka Márquez, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nancy Xu, Luba Mushtuk, Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington, and Aljaž Škorjanec return to the dancefloor.
Alongside them, two new professionals join the roster: Alexis Warr, an American ballroom dancer and former So You Think You Can Dance contestant, and Julian Caillon, known from Dancing with the Stars Australia. During the launch show, both were introduced and paired with celebrity partners.
Not all pros receive partners this year. Some, including Neil Jones, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nancy Xu, will sit out pairing duties in 2025.
Celebrity Lineup & Partnerships
Fifteen celebrity contestants are competing this season. Some of the names confirmed include Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, Vicky Pattison, Chris Robshaw, Balvinder Sopal, Ross King, La Voix, and Ellie Goldstein, making history as the first contestant with Down syndrome on Strictly.
Originally, Kristian Nairn (of Game of Thrones) was announced, but later withdrew on 21 August for health reasons. Lewis Cope was named as his replacement.
In the weeks leading up to the live shows, Dani Dyer fractured her ankle during training and withdrew from the competition. She was replaced by Amber Davies, who then took over her partnership with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Here are some of the pairing highlights:
-
Alex Kingston is paired with Johannes Radebe
-
Thomas Skinner, a controversial figure, is partnered with Amy Dowden
-
Ellie Goldstein, making history, pairs with Vito Coppola
-
Balvinder Sopal teams up with Julian Caillon
-
Other notable contestants: Karen Carney & Carlos Gu, Ross King & Jowita Przystał, Vicky Pattison & Kai Widdrington, Stefan Dennis & Dianne Buswell
An interesting note: Dianne Buswell is competing while pregnant, her baby bump already making headlines.
Launch Show & Programming Schedule
The launch episode aired on 20 September 2025, introducing the celebrities, revealing their dance partners, and offering a group performance to set the tone for the season. The first live Saturday show began on 27 September 2025, with the first Sunday results show following on 5 October.
The final is scheduled for 20 December 2025, just before Christmas. A special Blackpool Week is planned for 22 November at the iconic Tower Ballroom in Blackpool.
In a twist for the 2025 tour, the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour returns to arenas across the UK. The 2025 tour will include 30 shows, opening on 17 January in Birmingham and closing on 9 February at London’s O2 Arena. This time, all four judges will appear on the tour, with Motsi Mabuse joining them for the first time.
Scandals, Criticism & Contestant Controversies
Though Strictly remains beloved, it is not without controversy. This year has already seen increased scrutiny, particularly around casting and past misconduct allegations.
The casting of Thomas Skinner has sparked backlash. Skinner drew criticism for attending a barbecue with US Vice President JD Vance while wearing a MAGA cap, which many felt conflicted with the show’s values. He has defended himself on social media, saying he is being unfairly portrayed.
In addition, expectations are high that the BBC’s ongoing investigations into earlier seasons’ misconduct, the allegations of abuse or bullying by professional dancers, will continue to loom over this series. The BBC has introduced safety measures, including chaperones and greater oversight.
There’s also internal criticism of the voting system. Some argue that the shorter voting window, especially with viewers watching on catch-up, excludes fans who cannot vote live.
What to Expect & Predictions
This season is likely to be tightly contested. With new professionals, strong celebrity names, and emotional backstories (pregnancy, health, comebacks), the narrative stakes are higher than ever.
Ellie Goldstein’s presence is particularly noteworthy. As the first contestant with Down syndrome on Strictly, her journey is being watched closely by fans and critics alike.
Dianne Buswell’s participation while pregnant adds a remarkable angle. The show will have to balance her performing safely with fairness in scoring.
The live tour joining the judges may also signal a push to meld the televised series and stage performances more closely, giving fans a more immersive Strictly experience.
Given the controversies, casting debates, and renewed demands for transparency, Strictly 2025 may not just be a dance competition. It may also be a test of how well the show can evolve while maintaining its audience trust.
How & Where to Watch
UK viewers can catch Strictly Come Dancing live on BBC One, and all episodes, including launch, live shows, and results, are available on BBC iPlayer. Strictly Come Dancing is back on iPlayer and BBC One from 6.05 pm on Saturday, 11 October.
The British dance series will not be available for streaming in the US, Canada, or Australia. We’ll update this blog as soon as more information about international streaming becomes available.
