he glitter is back as Strictly Come Dancing 2025 prepares to launch its first live show on Saturday night. This year’s competition sees 15 celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers, all vying for the iconic glitterball trophy.

Among the hopefuls are a former Love Island star, a cabaret singer, and a YouTube sensation, making for one of the most varied line-ups in recent years. Backstage, nerves are running high as contestants admit to gruelling rehearsals and mounting pressure. One celebrity confessed: “I’m petrified.”

This season has already seen dramatic shake-ups. Dani Dyer was forced to withdraw after breaking her ankle, with fellow West End actress and Love Island alum Amber Davies stepping in as her replacement. Earlier, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn also pulled out due to medical reasons.

Two new professional dancers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, join the cast this year, while fan favourites Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return as hosts. The judging panel remains unchanged, with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas ready to deliver their critiques.

Full Line-Up (Celebrities and Their Pro Partners):

• Alex Kingston & Johannes Radebe
• Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin
• Balvinder Sopal & Julian Caillon
• Chris Robshaw & Nadiya Bychkova
• Ellie Goldstein & Vito Coppola
• George Clarke & Alexis Warr
• Harry Aikines-Aryeetey & Karen Hauer
• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink & Lauren Oakley
• Karen Carney & Carlos Gu
• La Voix & Aljaž Škorjanec
• Lewis Cope & Katya Jones
• Ross King & Jowita Przystał
• Stefan Dennis & Dianne Buswell
• Thomas Skinner & Amy Dowden
• Vicky Pattison & Kai Widdrington

With the stage set, the sequins polished, and the celebrities trembling with anticipation, fans are eagerly waiting to see who will dazzle — and who will stumble when the live shows begin.