Strictly Come Dancing 2025 full celebrity line-up revealed

Team HELLO! were correct! Neighbours star Stefan Dennis is the next contestant who will be cha-cha-ing his way to the dancing show. 

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You may recognise Stefan for his role as Paul Robinson in Neighbours, which happens to be Australian's longest drama series in history. An Aussie himself, Paul appeared in more than 6,000 episodes during the 40 years that the show was on air.

The 66-year-old has also appeared in The Bill, Dream Team, River City and Casualty, and starred in the West End musical Blood Brothers – which bodes well for Musical week on Strictly!

Upon his announcement, Stefan said: “This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.”

Drag Race diva La Voix spilled the sequins to HELLO! about sashaying onto the Strictly dancefloor.

When asked if she thinks she'll make it to Blackpool, the 45-year-old drag queen told us: "I cannot wait! I have got to make it to Blackpool, I adore Blackpool. I started my career at the Blackpool North Pier Theatre many many years ago. If that came full-circle for me, it would be amazing – so bring on Blackpool!"

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But who will prove the biggest competition? 

"Lovely Chris, the rugby player – he's big, he's muscular… is that going to stop him from being flexible is my thinking. Because, of course, I'm one sit-up away from my physical peak, as you can see! Do you know what, I've never seen any of them dance; once I see them dance, then I'll know. When they see me dance, they'll probably go: 'Oh, she's alright, she's not going to be last!'"

Speaking about Strictly's lovely hosts Claudia and Tess, La Voix said: "I love the iconic duo! To stand next to them with that judging panel in front of me is going to be everything. It's dreams come true. It's real quality BBC entertainment and I'm living for it.

Good morning and welcome to another day of Strictly news as we count down the days until the new series!

Ross King is the thirteenth celebrity contestant announced for this year's line-up.  

The news was revealed live on ITV’s Lorraine in a surprise reveal that saw Ross ‘live from Hollywood’ announcing the next contestant: himself! 

Ross is regularly on our TV screens on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles Correspondent. 

The presenter said in a statement: "From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom - it's a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show. I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! Let’s give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: “You’ll never know till you give it a go!"

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Former footballer Karen Carney is the fourteenth celebrity to be announced for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

The sports star, who played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and England, and is now the lead female pundit for both men's and women's football, across TNT and ITV, said joining the line-up is a "dream come true".

"It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line-up," said Karen. "I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part. I’m so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!"

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Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn is the fifteenth and final celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

The internationally renowned actor and DJ is best known for his portrayal of Hodor in HBO's global fantasy series. He also portrayed Wee John Feeney in two series of the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death.

On joining the show, Kristian said: "This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it! It’s a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!"

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Tom Skinner has responded to backlash from Strictly fans about his upcoming appearance on the show. 

Taking to X, the former Apprentice star penned: "They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram lost about going on strictly."

Sharing a link to Instagram, he continued: "Have a look at some of these on Instagram .... Why are some people so angry that don't even know me. Not Bosh."

Pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova has shared an update on her health after being rushed to hospital in an ambulance earlier this week. 

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the 35-year-old Ukrainian dancer said she is feeling better after falling on her back in rehearsals.

"Thank you so much for all the messages, love and support," she wrote.

"I just wanted you to know that I am ok. I had a fall in training yesterday and landed on my back. I was really worried for a while and I was so thankful to the Strictly family and medical team who really looked after me.

"The staff at the hospital were so kind and caring. I’m smiling in the picture but it was really scary and there were a few tears as I had to lie still for hours but I was given the all-clear after an X-ray and allowed to go home."

The dancer added: "I’ve got some physio today but I will be back on that dance floor soon and I’ll be ready to shine and sparkle in the new series of the biggest show on TV."

The full line-up has now been completed, and we can't wait to see what these famous faces will bring to the dance floor this autumn. 

Fans are particularly excited by the announcement that Kristian Nairn, aka Hodor in Game of Thrones, will be taking part in the show. 

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Taking to X, one person wrote: "There’ll be Hodor on the Dancefloor! A #Strictly and #GOT mash-up," while another added: "I can't actually believe Hodor from Game of Thrones and Paul from Neighbours are a part of the same series. Bring on cold autumn/winter nights immediately."

A third fan penned: "Hodor is doing Strictly?! Can't wait for this!!"

As always, longtime presenter Tess Daly will be joined by Claudia Winkleman as they host the show this autumn. 

Tess has been the face of Strictly since its very first episode back in 2004, hosting the programme alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth for 11 seasons before his departure in 2014, when Claudia took over as his replacement.

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Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon have joined the line-up of professionals this year - but who are they? 

Alexis, who hails from America, is best known for winning the US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as ‘America’s Favourite Dancer’, becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. 

She's also danced on America's Got Talent and World of Dance.

Meanwhile, Australian-born Julian has been a keen dancer since he was ten years old and specialises in Ballroom and Latin American.

He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, and has toured the globe with the hit dance show Burn The Floor.

Away from the dance floor, Julian has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist, and has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney.

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Thanks so much for joining us as we revealed the celebrity line-up for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

The countdown to the launch show begins now!