Excitement was in the air on Friday as the full cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 arrived for their first rehearsal.
Among the high-energy group were familiar faces like Love Island’s Dani Dyer and trailblazing Down syndrome model Ellie Goldstein, all ready to dive into the glittery world of ballroom dancing. Spirits were high as the celebrities prepared for the start of their Strictly journey.
Thomas Skinner Addresses Backlash Before Rehearsals
Former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, 34, made headlines earlier in the day after critics called for the BBC to revoke his spot on the show.
The backlash came because of his past meeting with JD Vance, prompting some fans to threaten boycotts.
Taking to X on Friday, Thomas responded with a mix of humor and pride, writing: “Some call me ‘controversial,’ but I think it’s just a dig at normal, hard-working people if I’m honest. But we don’t let that stop us.
We keep going, we look out for each other, and we use it to drive us forward.” He added he was “proud as anything” to start filming Strictly and thanked fans for their support, while also noting he has a family to provide for and jokingly inviting locals for “a pint” later.
Celebrities Arrive Ready to Dance
The day saw stars arriving in high spirits. Dani Dyer offered a shy smile, while Ellie Goldstein moved determinedly toward the studio.
Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison rolled in with her suitcase in tow, clearly ready to get started.
Ross King couldn’t stop beaming, and fellow cast members Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Balvinder Sopal, George Clark, Chris Robshaw, and Karen Carney also appeared cheerful.
Even Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was seen saying goodbye to a loved one before joining the group alongside Kristian Nairn, Alex Kingston, La Voix, and Stefan Dennis.
Professional Dancers Bring the Sparkle
The Strictly professional dancers also made a lively entrance, led by the ever-enthusiastic Dianne Buswell.
She arrived alongside Nancy Xu and new pros Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.
Fans were relieved to see Nadiya Bychkova back in action after her scary fall earlier in the week that sent her to hospital.
The 35-year-old Ukrainian dancer returned to rehearsals looking strong and determined.
Final Celebrities Revealed
Friday’s announcements wrapped up the celebrity line-up. Showbiz correspondent Ross King, former Lioness Karen Carney, and Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn completed the reveal.
Ross, 63, shared that his mother inspired him to join, while Karen, 38, was unveiled on BBC Radio 2. Kristian, 49, surprised fans by keeping his participation secret until the announcement.
These announcements followed Thursday’s reveals of Stefan Dennis, Vicky Pattison, and Thomas Skinner.
Stefan, 66, famed for his role as Paul Robinson on Neighbours, joined the line-up shortly after the Australian soap’s brief revival ended.
Vicky, 37, made a dramatic entrance on This Morning, joking about her dance style as “drunk auntie dancing.”
Early Announcements Set the Stage
Earlier in the week, Thomas Skinner’s signing was confirmed, followed by the reveal of Ellie Goldstein, Drag Race star La Voix, and rugby player Chris Robshaw.
Model Ellie expressed her excitement: “It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.
I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor.”
Other early reveals included George Clark, Balvinder Sopal, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, all eager to tackle the ballroom challenge.
Meet the 2025 Contestants
-
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, Olympic sprinter: “I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
-
Alex Kingston, 62, actress: “My hips don’t lie.”
-
Balvinder Sopal, 46, EastEnders actress: “I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.”
-
La Voix, 45, drag performer: “Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started.”
-
Thomas Skinner, 34, reality star: “Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”
-
Vicky Pattison, 37, reality TV star: “I’m buzzing to be part of this year’s line-up… but terrified!”
-
Karen Carney, 38, football pundit: “I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.”
-
Dani Dyer, 29, Love Island winner: “I feel very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.”
-
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, football legend: “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is a fun challenge—bring on a new type of footwork.”
-
Ellie Goldstein, 23, model: “The chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.”
-
Chris Robshaw, 39, rugby player: “I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level.”
-
Stefan Dennis, 66, actor: “Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.”
-
Ross King, 63, showbiz correspondent: “I can’t wait to learn from the best and try not to step on too many toes.”
-
Kristian Nairn, 49, actor: “This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it.”
Countdown to Strictly’s Return
With rehearsals underway and the full line-up confirmed, fans can look forward to the return of Strictly Come Dancing this September, promising a mix of glamour, competition, and unforgettable moments on the dance floor.
