Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Contestants – Meet the Full Cast
The 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing brought a fresh mix of celebrities to the dance floor in 2025. From sporting icons to soap stars, the lineup delivered drama, surprises, and a memorable finale on 20 December. Here is the full guide to the contestants, professional partners, eliminations, and everything else you need to know about the 2025 edition.
The series launched on and the live shows began a week later on . After weeks of competition, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu lifted the glitterball trophy. Runners-up were Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, alongside George Clarke and Alexis Warr. The final aired on .
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Contestants
15 celebrities
23
Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman
Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke
- The first contestant announced was Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey (Nitro).
- Ellie Goldstein became the first contestant with Down syndrome to take part in the full series.
- Dani Dyer was initially expected but replaced by Amber Davies.
- Two contestants withdrew during the run: Kristian Nairn (medical) and La Voix.
- The winners, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, were not the pre‑show favourites – an underdog story.
| Name | Known For | Professional Partner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey | Gladiators star / sprinter | Karen Hauer | Eliminated |
| Alex Kingston | Actress | — | Eliminated |
| Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink | Former footballer | — | Eliminated |
| Balvinder Sopal | Actress (EastEnders) | Julian Caillon | Eliminated |
| George Clarke | YouTuber / podcaster | Alexis Warr | Runner‑up |
| La Voix | Drag performer | — | Withdrew |
| Chris Robshaw | Rugby union player | — | Eliminated |
| Amber Davies | Actress / West End performer | Nikita Kuzmin | Runner‑up |
| Ellie Goldstein | Model / activist | — | — |
| Karen Carney | Former footballer / pundit | Carlos Gu | Winner |
| Kristian Nairn | Actor / DJ (Game of Thrones) | — | Withdrew |
| Lewis Cope | Actor (Emmerdale) | — | Eliminated |
| Vicky Pattison | TV personality | — | Eliminated |
| Thomas Skinner | Businessman (The Apprentice) | — | Eliminated |
| Ross King | TV presenter | — | — |
Who Are the Professional Dancers and Their Celebrity Partners?
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 professionals
The professional roster for series 23 included established names and some newer faces. Among the confirmed pairings, Nikita Kuzmin danced with Amber Davies, Alexis Warr partnered George Clarke, and Carlos Gu led Karen Carney to victory. Karen Hauer was paired with Harry Aikines‑Aryeetay, and Julian Caillon partnered Balvinder Sopal.
For several contestants – including Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Ellie Goldstein – the identity of their professional partner has not been publicly specified. The official BBC pages list the celebrities but do not always name the pro for each.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestants and partners
The following pairings are known from available sources: Amber Davies with Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke with Alexis Warr, Karen Carney with Carlos Gu, Balvinder Sopal with Julian Caillon, and Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey with Karen Hauer. Other partnerships, such as those for Lewis Cope (who stepped in after Kristian Nairn withdrew), remain unclear.
Who Has Left Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
The 2025 series saw several departures, both through elimination and withdrawal. Kristian Nairn withdrew before the live shows due to medical issues and was replaced by Lewis Cope. Later, La Voix also withdrew. The first elimination fell on Lewis Cope, followed by Alex Kingston, Thomas Skinner, Chris Robshaw, Balvinder Sopal, Vicky Pattison, Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Kristian Nairn’s medical withdrawal meant viewers only saw 14 celebrities dancing in the live shows. La Voix’s exit further reduced the field before the final rounds.
When Is the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Final?
The grand final of the 23rd series took place on . It crowned Karen Carney and Carlos Gu as winners, with Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin and George Clarke and Alexis Warr finishing as joint runners‑up.
Key Dates in the 2025 Series
- 20 September 2025 – Launch show (pairings revealed).
- 27 September 2025 – First live show.
- October–December 2025 – Weekly live shows and eliminations.
- 20 December 2025 – Final and winners announced.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The 15 contestants announced by the BBC. | Exact professional pairings for several celebrities (e.g., Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink). |
| Judging panel (Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke). | Full week‑by‑week elimination results – only outcomes from the supplied results are known. |
| Series 23 is the 2025 edition; final was 20 December. | Some contestants (Ellie Goldstein, Ross King) have no listed elimination status. |
Context: How the 2025 Series Compared to Previous Years
The 2025 lineup was notably diverse, featuring athletes (Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Chris Robshaw), actors (Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal), and TV personalities (George Clarke, Vicky Pattison). Ellie Goldstein made history as the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete in the full series. No major format changes were introduced for series 23, though behind‑the‑scenes content and social media engagement increased, including a TikTok video introducing the “fabulous fifteen”.
Sources and Official Quotes
“The Strictly 2025 lineup is a dazzling mix of sporting heroes, beloved actors, and much‑loved personalities.”
– BBC Media Centre, 20 December 2025
The official announcement from the BBC confirmed the 15 celebrities and provided individual profiles on the BBC Celebrities 2025 page. Further details on the series can be found on Wikipedia and RadioTimes. The TikTok video posted by BBC Strictly gave fans a teaser of the cast.
Summary: Everything You Need to Know About Strictly 2025 Contestants
The 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing featured 15 celebrities, a mix of sports, entertainment, and screen stars. Karen Carney and Carlos Gu emerged as winners after a season marked by early withdrawals and strong performances. For a deeper look at the professional dancers and their pairings, see Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Professionals. For the complete schedule and dates, refer to Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Full Schedule and Dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Strictly Come Dancing contestants for 2026?
Not yet announced; the 2026 series will likely be confirmed after the 2025 series concludes.
When did Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start?
The launch show aired on 20 September 2025, with live shows beginning on 27 September.
How many contestants are in Strictly 2025?
There were 15 celebrities initially announced; after Kristian Nairn withdrew, 14 competed in the live shows.
Who was eliminated from Strictly 2025 first?
Lewis Cope was the first celebrity eliminated, following Kristian Nairn’s medical withdrawal.
Did any contestants withdraw from Strictly 2025?
Yes. Kristian Nairn withdrew due to medical issues, and La Voix also left the series.
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Karen Carney, partnered with Carlos Gu, won the glitterball trophy.
Who were the runners‑up in Strictly 2025?
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, along with George Clarke and Alexis Warr, finished as joint runners‑up.
Is there a full list of professional pairings?
Only some pairings are confirmed; others (e.g., for Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink) remain unspecified.
When was the Strictly 2025 final?
The final took place on 20 December 2025.
What made the 2025 series unique?
Ellie Goldstein became the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete in the full series.
More related posts
BP Share Price UK: Analysis, Dividend & Forecast 2026
How to Measure Chest Size – Guide for Men, Women & Perfect Fit
Worcester Bosch Combi Boiler – Prices, Models, Manuals Guide
Peter Crouch Net Worth – $25-35M from Football Career
Sheffield United vs Leeds United: Rivalry Stats
Mary Berry Apple Cake Recipe: Devonshire, Almond & Traybake
Man Utd vs Tottenham – Tickets, Lineups, Stats and Guide
Why Does My Belly Button Smell – Causes and Fixes
