A New Era for Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to BBC One in September with a significantly refreshed lineup. The 24th series will feature new presenters Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdecombe, and Strictly veteran Johannes Radebe, who are replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The show has also recruited five new professional dancers, marking one of the biggest reshuffles in recent years.
The new professionals are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita. They join returning dancers Katya Jones, Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Nikita Kuzmin, and Vito Coppola. Departing from the troupe are Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Marquez, and Nadiya Bychkova. The changes come as the BBC looks to inject fresh energy into the long-running dance competition.
Format Change: Live Pairing Reveals
One of the most notable changes affects how celebrity-professional pairings are announced. According to former contestant Graeme Hall, who spoke on Radio Northampton, the show is moving away from pre-recorded clips that have been used in recent years. "This year, they're doing it slightly differently. We don't find out until the launch show. You have no say in it, the pros have no say in it," Hall said.
The pre-recorded launch show is scheduled to air on 19 September, a week before the live shows begin. This marks a return to the live studio announcement format used before 2020. Hall confirmed that neither the celebrities nor the professional dancers will have any input into the pairings, which will be decided by the show's producers.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
According to a source quoted by The Sun, rehearsals have become notably more intense. The source claimed that "it's tense at rehearsals and some of the older cast members of the pro dance troupe are worried that they won't get their opportunity to shine this year. It's more competitive and cut-throat than ever." The source attributed the heightened competition to the influx of new, younger dancers and the fact that there are more professionals than celebrities, meaning not everyone will get a partner.
The Daily Mirror, which reported these claims, has contacted the BBC for comment. The source also noted that viewers are keen to get to know the new dancers, especially as "change is the theme of the new-look show this year."
The 2025 Contestants
This year's lineup of celebrities includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Jaime Winstone, Will Best, Sean Wright-Phillips, Bethany Antonia, Graeme Hall, Lawrence Robb, John Nellis, Tabby Stoecker, Dame Sarah Storey, and Melanie Walters. The mix of actors, presenters, athletes, and musicians promises a diverse and competitive series.
Ongoing Fallout: Abbington vs. Pernice
The reshuffle comes amid lingering controversy involving former contestant Amanda Abbington and professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. Pernice recently stated that he had suicidal thoughts following bullying allegations made by Abbington. The BBC's investigation cleared Pernice of 10 of the 16 allegations, but upheld six, and the corporation issued an apology.
Abbington, speaking to The Sun, said she has no interest in engaging with Pernice's narrative. A friend of Abbington described Pernice as "a monster," though the Mirror noted that this is the view of a friend rather than an official statement. The Mirror also reported that it has approached the BBC for comment on this matter.
Looking Ahead
As Strictly prepares for its September launch, the show faces the challenge of balancing its beloved traditions with the need for reinvention. The new presenting team, the fresh faces in the pro troupe, and the live pairing reveal are all designed to rejuvenate the format. Whether the reported tensions backstage will translate into a more competitive—and entertaining—series remains to be seen.