Strictly Come Dancing 2025 LIVE: Hit show returns as celebs meet pro partners

The Strictly Come Dancing cast of 2025 finally meet their pro partners as the BBC Saturday night show returns for its 23rd season. Although the celebrity contestants were announced several weeks ago they weren't paired up with one of the show's professional dancers until the launch show, which was pre-recorded on September 10. This is the only episode of Strictly that is pre-recorded ahead of time with all other shows going out live.

This years line up will see Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Gladiators' Nitro, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, former footballer and football manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, EastEnders legend Balvinder Sopal, YouTuber George Clarke, drag icon La Voix, former rugby player Chris Robshaw, model and actor Ellie Goldstein and Apprentice star Thomas Skinner all vie to win the glitterball trophy. Also hoping to emerge victorious are reality star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, Lorraine's LA correspondent Ross King, former Lioness Karen Carney and former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are back as are the judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel-Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse. While the pro line up is full of familiar faces tonight will also give viewerrs their first look at the two new additions to the team Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. We'll be here all night giving you all the updates as they happen.