The anticipation for Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 season builds as the first contestants are announced, with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey taking center stage.
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The excitement is in the air as BBC’s fan-favorite show, Strictly Come Dancing, starts to unveil its lineup for the highly anticipated 2025 season. The first contestant confirmed? None other than Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who made a surprise appearance on CBBC Newsround to announce his participation.
This revelation kicks off what fans are hoping will be another thrilling season filled with unexpected pairings and dazzling performances. Can you feel the buzz?
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey kicks off the lineup
On August 11, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was revealed as the first celebrity dancer for the upcoming series, following his memorable stint in the 2024 Christmas special.
During a lively segment on CBBC Newsround, he donned a playful disguise as the famous choreographer Nicky Trott. The clever act didn’t last long, though—host Jenny Lawrence quickly caught on, leading to the official announcement of his participation. What a way to make an entrance!
Shortly after, the excitement spread like wildfire on social media.
The official Strictly Come Dancing Instagram account posted a picture of Aikines-Aryeetey with the caption, “#STRICTLY… ARE YOU READY?! Gladiator Nitro is our first celebrity reveal! @aikines is back in the Ballroom for 2025.” The enthusiasm from the professional dancers was palpable. Nancy Xu couldn’t hide her excitement, while Gorka Marquez shared his enthusiastic support. Dianne Buswell, last year’s champion, echoed the sentiment with a spirited response. Who else is ready to see these stars hit the dance floor?
Fans are already buzzing with speculation about potential dance partners. Aikines-Aryeetey’s playful interactions with followers have sparked rumors, particularly regarding a possible pairing with Karen Hauer, who previously danced with footballer Paul Merson. Could this be the pairing everyone’s hoping for?
Additional contestants revealed
Following Aikines-Aryeetey’s announcement, three more contestants were revealed on the August 11 edition of The One Show, hosted by Alex Scott and Roman Kemp. Love Island winner Dani Dyer was the first to share her thrilling news, expressing her excitement about joining the show. “It’s such a fun, magical show and to be asked to do it is such an honour,” she exclaimed. As a mother of three, she admitted feeling a mix of nerves about the dance routines and live broadcasts. Can you relate to that blend of excitement and anxiety?
Next up, Doctor Who star Alex Kingston joined the lineup, sharing her mix of excitement and nervousness. Speaking from her holiday in Italy, she reminisced about her long-standing wish to be part of the show. She recalled a chat with former contestant Sarah Hadland, who highlighted how life-changing the experience could be. How many of us have dreams like that?
Lastly, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink confirmed his participation, stating that Strictly holds a special place in his family life and that he is ready to embrace the challenge. Who’s excited to see him on the dance floor?
What to expect in the new season
As fans eagerly await the return of Strictly Come Dancing to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, they can expect a season brimming with dramatic performances and emotional moments. With more contestants set to be announced, anticipation is only growing. Who will be the next celebrity to join the lineup?
The show has a long history of captivating audiences with its unique blend of talent, glamour, and fierce competition. The 2025 season promises to be no different, featuring a diverse mix of celebrities ready to showcase their dance skills and entertain viewers. Are you ready for the magic to unfold?
As the roster of contestants continues to grow, viewers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and prepare for another unforgettable season of Strictly Come Dancing. What surprises await us this time around?
