Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is expected to premiere in September 2025 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, marking the 23rd series of the UK’s favorite ballroom competition. While the official lineup is typically confirmed in August, the show will continue its traditional format of celebrity-professional pairings competing for the Glitterball Trophy under the watchful eyes of judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke. This guide provides the most comprehensive look at the upcoming series, from rumored contestants and professional dancer returns to ticket information and behind-the-scenes secrets.
In this deep dive, you will discover the anticipated filming schedule at Elstree Studios, the structural changes expected following the 2024 review of welfare protocols, and how to secure a seat in the studio audience. We also explore the rich history of the show to predict which “archetypes” might fill the 2025 roster, ensuring you are fully prepared for the glitz and glamour of the ballroom’s return.
The 2025 Series Launch Date
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is projected to launch its pre-recorded pairing show on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with the first live show following on September 20, 2025. These dates align with the BBC’s historical scheduling pattern of debuting the series in the middle of September to ensure the Grand Final takes place just before Christmas.
The production team usually begins technical rehearsals in late August, with the professional dancers starting their intensive “bootcamp” in July. Fans can expect the official “red carpet” launch event to take place at Elstree Studios approximately ten days before the first broadcast.
Rumoured Celebrity Contestants
While the BBC remains tight-lipped until late summer, early speculation for the 2025 roster includes high-profile names from the worlds of sport, daytime TV, and social media. Names frequently mentioned in tabloid reports include Olympic heroes from recent games and stars of popular BBC dramas who are looking to trade scripts for sequins.
The casting department often looks for a “legacy” signing—a veteran entertainer or newsreader—alongside a “Gen Z” influencer to capture younger demographics. Expect a total of 15 celebrities to be announced across various BBC platforms, including The One Show and BBC Radio 2, throughout August 2025.
The Judging Panel Returns
The 2025 judging panel is expected to remain stable, featuring Head Judge Shirley Ballas, the “King of Ballroom” Anton Du Beke, the “Queen of Latin” Motsi Mabuse, and the formidable Craig Revel Horwood. Their collective expertise covers every facet of technical dance, providing the balanced (and often fiery) feedback the show is known for.
Craig Revel Horwood, who has been with the show since its inception in 2004, continues to provide the “pantomime villain” persona, while Anton Du Beke offers the perspective of a former professional competitor. No major changes to the scoring system or “Save” protocols are anticipated for this series.
Professional Dancer Lineup
The 2025 professional lineup will likely see the return of fan favorites such as Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, and Nikita Kuzmin. The BBC usually confirms the pro-dancer roster in late spring, allowing fans to track their training progress via social media throughout the summer months.
Following internal reviews, the 2025 series will emphasize the “chaperone” system introduced previously, ensuring that professional dancers and their celebrity partners have a supportive environment during the grueling 12-hour rehearsal days. New additions to the pro squad are occasionally recruited from international “Dancing with the Stars” franchises or top-tier ballroom circuits.
Changes to Welfare Protocols
Strictly 2025 will be the second full series to operate under the BBC’s enhanced welfare guidelines, which include the presence of production chaperones in all rehearsal rooms. These measures were introduced to ensure the safety and mental well-being of all participants, providing a clear framework for professional conduct.
The “Duty of Care” package for 2025 includes psychological support for celebrities and pros alike, recognizing the intense public pressure and physical demands of the competition. This transparency aims to maintain the show’s reputation as a “feel-good” family program while modernizing its production standards.
Iconic Theme Weeks
The 2025 schedule will feature the staple theme weeks that fans adore, including Movie Week, Halloween Week, and the prestigious Blackpool Tower Ballroom special. Movie Week usually occurs in Week 3, allowing for high-production costumes and cinematic choreography early in the competition.
Halloween Week remains a highlight of the October schedule, often featuring the most elaborate prosthetic makeup and special effects. The Blackpool special, typically held in mid-November, serves as a “quarter-final” milestone that dancers strive to reach for its historical significance in the ballroom world.
Musical Director and Dave Arch
Dave Arch and his orchestra are confirmed to provide the live soundtrack for Strictly 2025, continuing their tenure as the backbone of the show’s musical identity. The 15-piece band and vocalists spend the week arranging and rehearsing bespoke versions of modern hits and classic ballroom tracks.
The vocalists—including Tommy Blaize and Hayley Sanderson—are tasked with mimicking a vast range of musical styles, from operatic scores for the Paso Doble to contemporary pop for the Couple’s Choice. The 2025 series will continue to feature guest musical performers during the Sunday night Results Show.
Blackpool Tower Ballroom Special
The 2025 trip to Blackpool is expected to take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, returning to the spiritual home of ballroom dancing. This episode is unique as it utilizes the massive sprung floor of the Tower Ballroom, requiring different choreography strategies compared to the smaller Elstree studio.
For the dancers, “making it to Blackpool” is a badge of honor that signals they are serious contenders for the final. The logistics for this week involve moving the entire production north, providing a significant boost to the local Blackpool economy during the off-season.
Practical Information and Planning
Recording Dates and Location
The live shows are recorded at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood. Performances take place on Saturday nights, while the Results Show is pre-recorded on Saturday night and aired on Sunday evening.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 are free and allocated via a random ballot on the BBC Shows and Tours website. The ballot typically opens in August 2025 and remains open for a limited window; fans should register for BBC alerts to avoid missing the deadline.
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive Early: Even with a ticket, entry is not guaranteed as the BBC over-issues invites to ensure a full house.
- Dress Code: The “Glamorous” dress code is strictly enforced; avoid large logos or casual wear.
- Phone Policy: Mobile phones are confiscated before entering the studio and returned after filming concludes to prevent spoilers.
The Road to the Grand Final
The Strictly 2025 Grand Final is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 13 or 20, 2025. The final usually features three or four couples performing three dances each: a Judge’s Choice, their own Favorite Dance, and the high-stakes “Showdance.”
Unlike the weekly shows, the Grand Final winner is decided solely by the public vote, with the judges’ scores serving only as a guide. The 2025 winner will join the ranks of legends like Stacey Dooley, Bill Bailey, and Rose Ayling-Ellis in lifting the Glitterball.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start? The series is expected to launch in mid-September 2025, with the first live show likely airing on the third Saturday of the month.
Who are the judges for Strictly 2025? The panel is expected to be Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
How do I apply for tickets to the live shows? You must apply through the BBC Shows and Tours website when the random ballot opens, usually in August.
Where is Strictly Come Dancing filmed? The main series is filmed at Elstree Studios, with one special episode held at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Can I vote for my favorite couple online? Yes, viewers can vote for free via the BBC Strictly website or for a fee via telephone during the live broadcast window.
Is there a Strictly tour in 2025? Yes, the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour usually takes place in January and February, featuring celebrities from the previous year’s series.
What is ‘Couple’s Choice’? It is a category where couples can choose a style outside of traditional ballroom/Latin, such as Contemporary, Street/Urban, or Jazz.
Are the professional dancers different every year? The core lineup is stable, but the BBC usually introduces 1-2 new professionals each year to keep the choreography fresh.
How long do the celebrities practice each week? Most couples practice between 10 and 12 hours a day, six days a week, depending on their existing work commitments.
What happens if a dancer gets injured? If a dancer cannot perform, they may be granted a “bye” to the next week (once per season), or they may be forced to withdraw if the injury is permanent.
Will there be a Christmas Special in 2025? Yes, a standalone Christmas Special featuring new celebrities is recorded in early December and aired on Christmas Day.
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