Strictly Come Dancing 2025: All the professional dancers confirmed to be returning
Natasha Rigler | 5:15pm Fri 18 Jul | Updated 5:17pm Thu 24 JulStrictly Come Dancing’s professional dancers are already gearing up for another turn around the ballroom – and expect to see a few new faces in the mix.
The BBC has confirmed that many fan favourites will be making a comeback this autumn – and there will be two new dancers, too!
So who are the Strictly pros that will be entertaining you in the lead up to Christmas with their fancy footwork and sparkly costumes? Read on to find out more…
Carlos Gu is among the cast of returning Strictly pros [BBC]
Who are the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers this year?
The BBC has confirmed that Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Nadiya Bychkova will all be returning to Strictly this autumn. They will be joined by Jowita Przystal, Luba Mushtuk, and Neil Jones.
Gorka Marquez will also be making a comeback with the cast, despite a question mark previously hanging over his head. Some Strictly fans were worried he would be bowing out after making a surprising early exit last year.
The Spanish dancer, who joined Strictly in 2016, was sent home with his celebrity partner Dr Punam Krishnan during Halloween week. The pair landed in the bottom two and were voted off by the judges. Fans will know that Gorka has never lifted the Glitterball trophy… And his fans were concerned his elimination might lead him to hang up his Strictly ballroom shoes for good.
But Gorka has proved them wrong. He will be back and will also be dancing alongside Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu. Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, Vito Coppola and – much to the relief of viewers – fan favourite Johannes Radebe completes the line-up.
The Strictly’s pros, seen here mucking about for Comic Relief, have been confirmed for this year [Credit: BBC]
Did Johannes Radebe almost quit Strictly?
Like Gorka, it was also feared that South African favourite Johannes could be leaving Strictly.
Johannes joined the BBC show in 2018 and made history three years later. The dancer was paired with Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite in Strictly’s first all-male couple. They got to the finals, but were beaten by Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice.
But as last year’s series wrapped up, Johannes landed the lead in the UK tour of the musical Kinky Boots. Fans were worried the 2025 tour would clash with Strictly 2025, meaning Johannes would have to pull out.
However, although the stage musical is landing in London’s West End this month, Johannes has cleared his schedule for Strictly. Speaking on ITV‘s This Morning, he reassured fans: “They’re going to have to drag me off that show with my sequins. I am not going anywhere.
“My life would be dull. That is a sparkling world that I live in. I can’t tell you what a privilege it is to be part of it every single year and be called back.”
Who are the new professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing?
The BBC has confirmed that two brand new dancers will be joining the Strictly professionals line-up this year.
They will make their debut on the show alongside the returning pros this autumn, but their identities are currently remaining top secret. Beeb bosses have said they will reveal the mystery names closer to the series launch – and fans don’t have long to wait.
Last year, the professional dancers began rehearsals for the 2024 series of Strictly on Monday July 22. If they follow the same schedule, they could be reuniting this week or the next.
The Strictly judges are all returning for 2025 [Credit: BBC]
Who are this year’s Strictly judges, hosts and celebs?
Strictly judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood will all be returning this year. Well if it ain’t broke?!
The BBC confirmed their return along with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. It said: “We’ve been limbering-up and practicing our curtseys ready for the new series of Strictly with our amazing judging panel, Shirley, Anton, Motsi, and Craig – and our incredible MBE’s Tess and Claudia. Congratulations on your FAB-U-LOUS achievement!”
In June, Tess and Claudia were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for contributions to broadcasting.
