The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated return of Strictly Come Dancing, as the BBC prepares to launch its 23rd series.
Fans can already expect a spectacular lineup of professional dancers, with familiar faces such as Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola confirmed to take to the dance floor.
The anticipation is heightened by the news that two new professional dancers will be announced soon.
The judging panel remains unchanged, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke returning to deliver their expert critiques.
Meanwhile, the show’s hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, are set to guide viewers through another thrilling season.
Last year, the partnership between comedian Chris McCausland and professional dancer Dianne Buswell captured the hearts of the nation, earning the coveted Glitterball Trophy and a Bafta TV Award for Memorable Moment.
As the new season approaches, speculation is already swirling about which celebrities will join the show, with rumoured participants ranging from reality stars and Olympic athletes to a possible member of the Royal Family.
With speculation growing, an early list of rumoured participants has emerged, and it includes some very fascinating faces.
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Mo Farah
Olympian Sir Mo Farah is thought to be in early talks to join the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing line‑up.
The celebrated long‑distance runner and four‑time Olympic champion shot to fame after becoming the second athlete in history to win both the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at consecutive Olympic Games.
He is regarded as a ‘genuine national treasure’ by BBC bosses.
With his impressive reputation and appeal, Farah is seen as an ideal candidate to help win back viewers and restore trust after a challenging year for the show.
A source told The Sun: “His personality would provide the perfect tonic to the toxicity that’s overshadowed Strictly.”
Dani Dyer
Another name rumoured to be joining the Strictly line‑up is Love Island 2018 winner Dani Dyer.
Since her win on the dating show, she has kept a strong public profile and recently married West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen.
As the daughter of actor Danny Dyer, viewers can expect plenty of interest – and possibly a glimpse of him in the studio audience – if she does sign up for the show.
Tom Parker-Bowles
Celebrity chef and author Tom Parker‑Bowles is another name being linked to the new Strictly line‑up.
The son of Queen Camilla, Parker‑Bowles has published nine cookbooks and earned the Guild of Food Writers award in 2010 for his writing on British cuisine.
A familiar face on the BBC as a guest judge for MasterChef, he could soon be trading the kitchen for the dance floor if negotiations prove successful.
Although he was approached about joining the show last year, nothing came of it at the time, but this year, Strictly bosses are hoping for more luck.
Georgia Toffolo
Reality TV star Georgia Toffolo, best known for her time on Made in Chelsea and for being crowned Queen of the Jungle on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2017, is the latest name linked to Strictly.
The Mirror reported that she is currently in talks to join the show, with insiders noting she would bring “glamour, poise, and fun” to the dance floor.
Adding to her profile, Toffolo recently entered the ranks of the UK’s wealthiest after marrying craft beer entrepreneur James Watt in March 2025, making her an even more high-profile contender for the series.
Stacey Solomon
Social media star Stacey Solomon is also rumored to be joining the Strictly lineup.
Solomon first rose to fame on The X Factor in 2009 and has since built a large and loyal following through various TV appearances.
She is well known for her long-standing role as a panellist on Loose Women and for hosting BBC’s Sort Your Life Out.
Recently, Solomon and her husband Joe Swash found success with their BBC reality show, Stacey and Joe, which offers viewers a glimpse into their family life at Pickle Cottage, sharing moments with their five children and beloved pets.
Thomas Skinner
Thomas Skinner, a favourite among fans from The Apprentice, could be joining this year’s Strictly line-up.
Famous for his catchphrase “bosh!”, Skinner made it to week nine of the 2019 BBC series before being booted off by Lord Sugar.
Skinner is “up for giving the competition his best shot” despite having “no dancing experience”, according to The Daily Mail.
A source added: “Strictly bosses are hoping he’ll get the dads watching. He has a massive following, especially with working-class blokes.”
Ashley Cain
Ashley Cain, known for his appearances on the first two seasons of Ex on the Beach, is being tipped as a possible contestant for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Since his reality TV debut, Cain has expanded his career into presenting, most notably fronting the BBC documentary Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone.
His engaging screen presence and polished hosting abilities have reportedly attracted the interest of Strictly producers, making him a strong candidate for the upcoming series.
Tayce
Tayce Szura-Radix, the Welsh drag queen, rapper, and model from Newport, is also rumored to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup.
Tayce first gained widespread recognition as a joint runner-up on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
After winning the recent Strictly Christmas special alongside professional dancer Kai Widdrington, many are speculating she could return for the main competition.
Craig Rowe
According to The Sun, former This Morning presenter Craig Rowe has expressed strong interest in joining Strictly Come Dancing.
Rowe, who is best known for hosting A Place in the Sun on Channel 4, has also presented shows for QVC, CBBC, Overseas Property TV, and Sky Travel, alongside his appearances on ITV’s This Morning.
Rowe said: “My agent is talking to all the reality shows and there’s definitely been a little bit of a rumble that I felt from some of them.”
He added: “We’ve spoken to Strictly and nothing’s happened yet, but talks are very much happening.”
Helen Flanagan
Helen Joyce Flanagan is thought to be being considered to join this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
Best known for her role as Rosie Webster on ITV’s Coronation Street from 2000 to 2012, Flanagan has since made a name for herself in reality TV.
Her reality appearances include finishing seventh on the twelfth series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2012, starring in Channel 5’s Celebrity Super Spa in 2013, and featuring on Celebrity Wedding Planner in 2014.
More recently, she competed on the thirteenth series of E4’s Celebs Go Dating in 2024.
With this varied TV background, Strictly bosses are said to be keen on adding Flanagan’s talent and popularity to the upcoming series.
Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall
Mike Tindall, former English rugby player and member of the Royal Family, is rumoured to be eyeing the dance floor, potentially making him the first royal to join the competition.
He would be competing alongside his wife, Zara Tindall, a British Olympian and daughter of Anne, Princess Royal.
Tindall previously impressed audiences with a strong showing on the 2022 edition of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, where he finished fourth.
Former Strictly professional Erin Boag has expressed her belief that Mike and Zara would be a fantastic addition to the show.
Angellica Bell
Though she just recently exited the Celebrity Big Brother house, TV presenter Angellica Bell is already considered a strong contender for this year’s Strictly lineup.
Reports suggest Angellica was a “reserve’ for last year’s series, much like Kelvin Fletcher, who stepped in for Jamie Laing in 2019 and went on to win.
Now, she’s aiming to secure a spot in the main cast for the 2025 series.
Reflecting on the show’s appeal, Angellica told The Sun: “So when I’ve had like in-depth conversations with people who are my friends and they say it’s great, I would definitely go from their recommendation.”
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey / Nitro
Gladiators star and former Olympic sprinter Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey – also known as Nitro – is the latest celebrity rumoured to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 line‑up.
It’s not uncommon for stars to begin with the Strictly Christmas Special, and after wowing audiences with his moves and physique last year, Nitro has clearly caught the attention of bosses.
A source told The Sun: “Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn’t get the timings to marry up with his work.”
“He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing.”