When the glitterball trophy is lifted this December, it’ll mark the 23rd time Strictly Come Dancing has turned British living rooms into dance floors — and this year’s edition promises more spark, sweat, and surprise than ever. The BBC has confirmed the 2025 series will launch on Saturday, 20th September, with the iconic Blackpool Special Tower Ballroom returning on Sunday, 22nd November, as the emotional centerpiece of the season. The Grand Finale is set for Saturday, 20th December, capping off what’s already being called the most anticipated series since 2019.
Returning Pros and Fresh Blood Take the Floor
Longtime fans will breathe a sigh of relief: Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Katya Jones, Johannes Radebe, and Karen Hauer are all back. These five have collectively taught over 80 celebrities how to waltz, tango, and cha-cha — and their chemistry with the judges and hosts remains unmatched.
But the real twist? Two new professionals are stepping into the spotlight. Alexis Warr, the 2019 winner of So You Think You Can Dance in the U.S., brings a contemporary edge and electrifying stage presence. And Julian Caillon, a former Australian dance champion and veteran of Dancing With The Stars Australia, adds a polished, Latin-infused flair. Neither has danced on UK TV before — and that’s exactly the point.
"We wanted to shake things up," said an insider familiar with casting. "The public loves the familiar faces, but they’re hungry for something new. Alexis and Julian bring global energy — and they’re not afraid to push boundaries."
Hosts and Judges: The Same Familiar Faces, Same Magic
There’s no changing the formula that works: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman remain the glamorous anchors, their banter as much a part of the show as the lifts. Meanwhile, the judging panel stays intact: Craig Revel Horwood with his razor-sharp critiques, Motsi Mabuse with her emotional insight, Anton Du Beke with his old-school charm, and Shirley Ballas — the "Queen of Latin" — still the final word on technique, timing, and tears.
"Shirley’s got a way of making you feel like you’ve just failed your GCSEs," joked one former contestant. "But she’s also the reason so many of us found our confidence."
Blackpool: More Than a Venue, a Tradition
The Tower Ballroom isn’t just where the show goes for its mid-season spectacle — it’s where dreams are made. The 1930s ballroom, with its gilded balconies and mirrored ceiling, has hosted the show since 2008. And every November, the entire cast flies north, rehearsing in the same space where generations of ballroom legends once danced.
This year’s Blackpool Special will feature a surprise theme — rumored to be "Hollywood Nights" — and a live orchestra. While no musical guests have been officially named, insiders hint at a "legendary pop icon" and a "surprise dance legend" appearing. The show’s producers are keeping the details locked tight, but one thing’s certain: the audience will be crying by the final minute.
The Arena Tour: What’s Next?
While the TV series runs from September to December, the Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour — a separate, ticketed production — is already in the works. Announced via the Utilita Arena Sheffield website, the tour will feature the entire 2025 cast performing choreography from the season, including new routines created specifically for the stage.
"The arena tour is where the magic becomes physical," said a BBC Studios spokesperson. "You don’t just watch the dance — you feel the rhythm in your chest. It’s why people come back year after year."
Why This Season Matters
Strictly Come Dancing has survived format changes, judge departures, and even a pandemic. But this year, it’s facing a new challenge: keeping relevance in a fragmented media landscape. With streaming services and TikTok dances dominating youth culture, the show’s producers are doubling down on nostalgia — and surprise.
"It’s not just about dancing," said Dr. Eleanor Price, a media historian at the University of Leeds. "It’s about watching ordinary people transform. It’s about seeing a 70-year-old retiree waltz with grace, or a footballer find poetry in a quickstep. That’s rare on TV today."
With over 10 million viewers per episode, Strictly remains the BBC’s most-watched entertainment show — and its 23rd season might just be its most ambitious yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Blackpool Special filmed?
The Blackpool Special will be filmed live at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, Lancashire, on Sunday, 22nd November 2025. It’s broadcast on BBC One at 7:15 PM GMT. The venue has hosted the episode since 2008 and is known for its historic architecture and intimate atmosphere, which adds emotional weight to the performances.
Who are the new professional dancers joining Strictly in 2025?
Two new pros are joining: Alexis Warr, winner of the 2019 U.S. season of So You Think You Can Dance, and Julian Caillon, a former Australian dance champion and veteran of Dancing With The Stars Australia. Both bring international experience and fresh styles — contemporary and Latin, respectively — to the show’s traditional ballroom foundation.
Are any returning judges or hosts leaving in 2025?
No changes have been announced. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman remain hosts, and the judging panel — Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas — is unchanged. Their dynamic has become iconic, and BBC Studios has confirmed they’re all under contract through 2026.
What’s the difference between the TV show and the arena tour?
The TV series is the weekly competition broadcast on BBC One, featuring celebrity contestants and live judging. The Strictly Come Dancing Live Arena Tour is a separate, live stage show featuring the same pros and selected celebrities performing choreography from the season. It’s not a competition — just pure entertainment, with bigger sets, live bands, and no eliminations.
Why is Blackpool so important to Strictly?
The Tower Ballroom is where British ballroom culture was born in the early 20th century. For Strictly, it symbolizes tradition, elegance, and emotional highs. The episode often features the most dramatic performances of the season — and frequently leads to unexpected eliminations or comebacks. It’s the only time the entire cast leaves London for a week, and the atmosphere is electric.
When will the celebrity contestants be revealed?
The official celebrity lineup will be unveiled during the Launch Show on Saturday, 20th September 2025, on BBC One. Typically, the BBC releases teasers in late August, but full names and backgrounds are kept secret until the live broadcast. Past seasons have included actors, Olympians, and even former politicians — so expect a mix of fame and surprise.