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Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line-up: Who is still taking part?

The live shows are in full swing

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The first elimination of Strictly Come Dancing Series 23 took place this weekend, with Thomas Skinner and his professional partner Amy Dowden facing off against Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova, after receiving the fewest public votes.

The season is already full of drama, following the second live show where actress Alex Kingston topped the leaderboard with a lively samba, while This Morning’s Ross King struggled again, scoring just 15 for his waltz and remaining at the bottom. Despite this, King kept things light, calling himself the "poster boy for people who can’t dance but want to."

Leading the pack so far is Love Island star Amber Davies, who’s racked up 56 points over two weeks. Highlights from the show included Anton du Beke’s enthusiastic praise for Alex and Johannes Redebe’s performance, and Shirley Ballas suggesting George Clarke and Alexis Warr could be early front-runners.

With the competition underway, here’s a look at the 2025 line-up, including who's already left and who might take home the glitterball trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 confirmed line-up

Below is a list of the confirmed cast so far:

  • Amber Davies - Dani Dyer's replacement
  • Chris Robshaw
  • La Voix
  • Dani Dyer - Quit ahead of the live shows
  • Lewis Cope - Kristian Nairn's replacement
  • Ross King
  • Vicky Pattison
  • Alex Kingston
  • Ellie Goldstein
  • Balvinder Sopal
  • Karen Carney
  • Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
  • Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
  • George Clarke
  • Thomas Skinner - Eliminated in Week 2
  • Stefan Dennis
  • Kristian Nairn - Quit ahead of launch

For more on the line-up, keep scrolling.

1

Amber Davies - Most Likely to win

amber davies joins strictly come dancing
BBC

Age:28

Job: TV personality, West End star and podcaster

Instagram: amb_d

Professional partner: Nikita Kuzmin

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Amber said: "This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true. I’m going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud."

Amber Davies was a late arrival, filling in for Dani Dyer following her injury.

Our verdict: With her background in performing arts, we think Davies stands a very good chance. Even though she's a late entry, we think that she'll be able to pull it out the bag. It's between her and La Voix at this stage.

2

La Voix - Most likely to win

strictly come dancing 2025 cast
BBC

Age: 45

Job: Singer, entertainer and Drag Race UK finalist

Instagram: @lavoixtheshow

Professional partner: Aljaž Škorjanec

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, La Voix says: "I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse."

Our verdict: If, like us, you love Drag Race UK, you'll know La Voix has some serious routines up her sleeve.

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3

Chris Robshaw

strictly come dancing 2025 full confirmed line up
BBC

Age: 39

Job: Former England rugby union player and captain.

Instagram: @chrisrobshawrugby

Professional partner: Nadiya Bychkova

Chris said of his appearance on Strictly, "This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha."

Our verdict: As an athlete, we're sure Chris will be able to keep up on the dance floor, but we'll have to see him in action to know whether he's got the rhythm to match the moves.

4

Lewis Cope

lewis cope
Instagram

Age: 30

Job: Actor

Instagram: lewiscope

Professional partner: Katya Jones

Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope has officially been announced as Kristian Nairn's replacement.

On joining Strictly last minute, Lewis said: "I'm so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing. I've always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!"

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5

Ross King

the full strictly come dancing 2025 lineup is here verdict on who is most and least likely to win
BBC

Age: 63

Job: Ross can be seen daily on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles Correspondent. He is a four-time News Emmy winner who has hosted more than 30 television series since his first radio broadcast at 15 and television debut at 17.

Instagram: @therossking

Professional partner: Jowita Przystal

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ross says: “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!'"

6

Vicky Pattison

strictly come dancing lineup
BBC

Most likely to win: William Hill say Vicky Pattison occupies second in the betting at 11/2, making her a clear favourite.

Age: 37

Job: Presenter, author, podcast and radio host

Instagram: @vickypattison

Professional partner: Kai Widdrington

She's been Queen of the Jungle on I'm a Celebrity, but can she also lift the glitterball trophy? Vicky's participation in the show was announced on This Morning and Vicky said of joining the show: "I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am a not a natural dancer! However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself!"

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7

Alex Kingston

strictly come dancing 2025 full confirmed line up: verdict on who is most and least likely to win
BBC

Age: 62

Job: Actress in ER, Doctor Who, A Discovery of Witches, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and more

Instagram: @alexkingstonofficial

Professional partner: Johannes Radebe

Alex Kingston is a Doctor Who legend and will be leaving the Tardis for the glitterball.

So how does Alex feel about joining the dancing competition? Quite simply, "Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!"

8

Ellie Goldstein

strictly come dancing 2025 full confirmed lineup verdict on who is most and least likely to win
BBC

Most likely to win: William Hill put Ellie Goldstein as early favourite to win the show, with odds at 11/4.

Age: 23

Job: Model, actor and influencer, who in 2023 made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue.

Instagram: @elliejg16_zebedeemodel

Professional partner: Vito Coppola

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ellie Goldstein says: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. 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 dance floor. Let the Strictly journey begin!”

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9

Balvinder Sopal

strictly come dancing cast
BBC

Age: 46

Job: Actress best known for her role in Eastenders

Instagram: @leesopal

Professional partner: Julian Caillon

Eastenders star Balvinder Sopal, who is known for playing Suki Kaur Panesar on the soap since 2019, will be trading the streets of east London for the ballroom floor.

Speaking of her confirmation on the show, Balvinder said: "Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!”

10

Karen Carney

the full strictly come dancing 2025 lineup is here verdict on who is most and least likely to win
BBC

Age: 38

Job: a former footballer 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.

Instagram: @kazcarney

Professional partner: Carlos Gu

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Karen Carney says: “It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line up. 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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11

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

strictly come dancing confirmed lineup
BBC

Age: 36

Job: Olympian and Gladiators star

Instagram: @aikines

Professional partner: Karen Hauer

He's back! After competing on last year's Christmas Strictly special, where he was partnered with Nancy Xu, Harry is back for another shot at the glitterball trophy.

Speaking on his return to the show Harry said: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got. 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."

Harry is an Olympic athlete and won many medals, given this we reckon Harry has the mentality to go pretty far in the competition.

12

Stefan Dennis

strictly come dancing cast
BBC

Age: 66

Job: Actor, best known for starring in Neighbours as Paul Robinson

Instagram: @stefandennis7

Professional partner: Dianne Buswell

The Aussie actor is getting ready to put his dancing shoes on, as revealed during This Morning on 14 August. Stefan said of taking part in Strictly Come Dancing: "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.”

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13

George Clarke

strictly come dancing 2025 line up george clarke
BBC

Most likely to win: William Hill say Dani Dyer and George Clarke share odds of 7/1 to make up the top four.

Age: 25

Job: YouTuber and podcaster

Instagram: @georgeclarkeey

Professional partner: Alexis Warr

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, George Clarke says: "Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.” The news was revealed on BBC Radio 1’s Going Home Drivetime Show.

14

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

strictly come dancing 2025 full confirmed line up: verdict on who is most and least likely to win
BBC

Age: 53

Job: Former professional football player for Chelsea

Instagram: @official_jfhasselbaink

Professional partner: Lauren Oakley

Jimmy is a Dutch former footballer who has previously paid for Chelsea, and has now become a familiar face on the pundit circuit.

Of his participation in Strictly, Jimmy said: “Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.”

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15

Thomas Skinner - Eliminated in Week 2

strictly come dancing 2025 full confirmed line up
BBC

Age: 34

Job: Business man and previous contestant on The Apprentice, who also has appeared on 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Wheel, Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Good Morning Britain and Faking It.

Instagram: @iamtomskinner

Professional partner: Amy Dowden

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Thomas Skinner says: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!  I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”

Thomas was the first contestant to leave the show after a dance off with Chris Robshaw.

16

Dani Dyer - Quit before live shows

strictly come dancing 2025 full confirmed line up: verdict on who is most and least likely to win
BBC

Age: 29

Job: Reality TV star, broadcaster, and author

Instagram: @danidyerxx

Former Love Island winner Dani Dyer was announced as one of the contestants in this year's line-up. Speaking to the BBC about joining the show, she said: "Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on."

Sadly, Dani pulled out of the show just days before the first live dance due to an injury.

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17

Kristian Nairn - Quit ahead of launch

strictly come dancing cast
BBC

Age: 49

Job: Actor and DJ

Instagram: kristiannairn

The Game of Thrones actor was the 15th and final celebrity to be announced as part of this year's line-up.

"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!" he said at the time.

Unfortunately, Kristian pulled out of the show ahead of the launch, due to medical reasons.

For more on his exit, see here.

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