Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Doctor Who Icon, Love Island Champ, And Rugby Star Ready To Shine In Socal Style! on ONDA LA

Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Hollywood Meets the Ballroom

Yo, SoCal fam, get hyped because Strictly Come Dancing is back on BBC this September, and it’s bringing a line-up that’s straight fire! We’re talking nine confirmed celebs ready to trade their day jobs for dance moves, with a mix of TV royalty, reality stars, sports icons, and barrier-breaking personalities. It’s like a red carpet event in Hollywood crashed into a ballroom bash, and we’re here for every cha-cha and tango.

This year, the show’s got some fresh faces on the pro dancer squad, plus the return of the fab four judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas - to keep the critiques spicy. Whether you’re chilling in Santa Monica or streaming from the Valley, this is the glittery escape we all need. So, let’s break down who’s hitting the dance floor with that West Coast energy!

TV and Film Stars Stepping Up Their Game

First up, we’ve got Alex Kingston, the time-traveling queen herself, known for slaying as River Song in Doctor Who from 2008 to 2015. She’s also a vet of ER and has popped up in everything from Douglas Is Cancelled to Gilmore Girls. Now, she’s swapping scripts for steps - can she bring that sci-fi swagger to the ballroom?

Joining her is Balvinder Sopal, who’s been stirring drama as Suki Kaur Panesar on EastEnders. She’s calling this gig “a total dream” while still rocking her soap star hustle. We’re betting she’ll bring some serious East London edge to those dance routines - watch out, judges!

“I’m beyond thrilled to be part of this iconic show and can’t wait to see what magic happens on the floor,” Balvinder shared with a grin, already hyping us up for her debut.

Reality Stars and Online Sensations in the Mix

Keeping the vibe real, we’ve got Love Island series four winner Dani Dyer, who’s basically living her best life in 2025. She says joining Strictly is “the second most amazing thing” she’s done this year - and we’re dying to know what topped it! Expect some serious island heat with her moves.

YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke is also stepping in, admitting he’s got “no clue” what he’s doing but is all in for the ride. And let’s not forget drag superstar La Voix, fresh from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and Britain’s Got Talent, ready to slay the ballroom with pure diva energy. It’s giving major WeHo pride parade realness!

La Voix dropped a teaser on socials, and the fans are already buzzing. This trio is proof that reality and online fame can translate to dance floor fame - let’s see if they’ve got the rhythm to match.

Sports Legends Trading Cleats for Dance Shoes

Bringing some athletic grit to the glitter, former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is lacing up for a whole new game. Known for balling out at Leeds United, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea, he’s now trading goals for foxtrots. Can this soccer star score with the judges?

Ex-England rugby captain Chris Robshaw is also in the line-up, hoping to level up from “dad dancing” to ballroom boss. Meanwhile, Team GB sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is back after last year’s Christmas special, promising “tons of energy” - and we’re betting it’s gonna be electric. These sports legends are bringing that competitive LA Lakers spirit to the floor!

With bodies built for speed and strength, we’re curious if they can finesse those moves as well as they dominate on the field. This is gonna be a showdown worth streaming from Venice Beach to DTLA.

A Trailblazing Star Lighting Up the Floor

Stealing hearts and breaking barriers, Ellie Goldstein joins the 2025 class as the latest confirmed celeb. She made history as the first model with Down syndrome on the cover of British Vogue in 2023, and her resume boasts campaigns for Gucci Beauty and Adidas, plus helping launch the first Barbie with Down syndrome. Talk about a game-changer!

Ellie says stepping onto the Strictly stage is “a dream,” and we’re already rooting for her to shine brighter than the Hollywood sign. Announced on BBC Breakfast, she’s got her eye on a specific dance partner - though she’s keeping us guessing for now. Her story is pure inspiration with a side of SoCal summer vibes.

Whether you’re catching the show from a Malibu beach house or your cozy Echo Park pad, Ellie’s journey is one to watch. This line-up is proof that Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is more than just a competition - it’s a celebration of talent, grit, and heart.