Strictly Contestants 2025: Who is going to take part?

With autumn slowly inching closer and the nation’s favourite sequin-studded spectacle set to return to our screens for another series, Strictly season is slowly creeping upon us and the rumour mill about who could be next to take on the glitterball is already rife. 

As always, it’s a heady mix of pop icons, sports legends, reality TV royalty and rising stars being linked to the show, and this year’s early frontrunners offer a blend of talent – from Olympic heroes to viral sensations, it’s shaping up to be a glittering cast. While the BBC has yet to confirm the official line-up, here’s a look at some of the favourites already generating serious buzz in the ballroom betting markets…

*You can get all the latest Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Odds over on betfred.com

Sir Mo Farah @ 3/1

A national treasure and Olympic hero, Mo Farah is one of the frontrunners to join this year’s Strictly line-up. Having already conquered the track, Sir Mo would bring sporting prowess, discipline and a competitive edge to the ballroom. Known for his relentless drive and infectious smile, the four-time Olympic gold medallist is no stranger to the spotlight – and with his natural rhythm and athleticism, he could be a serious contender from the start. There’s also a great public affection for Mo, which could translate into strong weekly support from voters. Plus, imagine the ‘Mobot’ making its way into a cheeky salsa…

Stacey Solomon @ 3/1

Television darling Stacey Solomon is no stranger to the big screen, and her warmth and effervescent charm would undoubtedly light up the Strictly dancefloor. From her early days capturing hearts on The X Factor to her current success as a presenter and personality on Loose Women and Sort Your Life Out, Stacey’s relatability and humour have made her a firm favourite with viewers. She’s also no stranger to reality competition, having previously triumphed in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! With a loyal fanbase and a love for performing, she could be one of this year’s standout stars.

Chris Hughes @ 3/1

Love Island alum Chris Hughes is enjoying something of a renaissance – and it’s no wonder he’s among the favourites to appear on Strictly this year. While many will remember him from the 2017 villa, Chris has since built a solid career in presenting, horse racing punditry and most recently, a hugely popular stint on Celebrity Big Brother. His time in the house reintroduced him to the public in a whole new light, showing maturity, humour and vulnerability that earned him a fresh wave of admiration.

If that weren’t enough, his new relationship with American pop sensation JoJo Siwa has sent the internet into a frenzy. Their unlikely pairing has become the talk of social media, with fans obsessing over their playful TikToks and unexpected chemistry. And with JoJo – a former Dancing With the Stars runner-up – in his corner, Chris would be entering the competition with arguably one of the best unofficial dance coaches in the game. With his boosted public profile and a surprising edge of dance potential, Chris might just waltz his way into the nation’s hearts once again.

Nicola Roberts @ 3/1

Pop royalty Nicola Roberts is another hotly tipped name for this year’s series. As a founding member of Girls Aloud, Nicola’s no stranger to the stage – and while she’s more known for her vocal range and style credentials than footwork, her elegant poise and musicality could give her an early edge. Having kept a lower public profile in recent years, her return to a major Saturday night platform would be a treat for long-time fans. There’s a quiet confidence to Nicola that could flourish in the Strictly environment, particularly if she’s paired with a partner who draws out her flair.

Dani Dyer-Bowen @ 4/1

Reality TV star Dani Dyer, daughter of EastEnders icon Danny Dyer, is known for her bubbly personality and girl-next-door charm. A fan favourite since her Love Island win, Dani would no doubt bring plenty of fun to the Strictly line-up. With her natural charisma, she could win over both judges and audiences alike – assuming she can squeeze rehearsals into her busy schedule as a mum, wife and businesswoman.

Ashley Cain @ 4/1

Footballer turned TV star Ashley Cain also sits at 4/1 to partake in this year’s Strictly. Known for his powerful presence and inspiring advocacy work, Ashley would bring depth and intensity to the show. While he’s no stranger to competition, the dancefloor would be a different kind of challenge – but one he might well embrace with strength and heart. He’s one to keep an eye on.

Princess Andre @ 4/1

Daughter of pop icon Peter Andre and glamour model Katie Price, Princess Andre has grown up in the spotlight. At just 17, she’s already carved out a name for herself as a rising influencer, and her addition to Strictly would undoubtedly attract a younger audience. In what is already shaping up to be the biggest year yet for Princess, things could be set to soar even higher – with her fast-growing and successful influencing career, the pending launch of her own reality TV show, and eyes firmly set on landing her own beauty line. A move to Strictly would feel perfectly on brand for someone with a love of glitz and glamour, helping her reach a broader demographic and further establish her name beyond her famous parents. If she’s inherited any of her dad’s rhythm – who famously placed third in 2015 – she could be a real surprise package this season.

Yinrun Huang @ 4/1

Yinrun shot to fame during her stint in the Big Brother house back in 2023. Despite placing fourth in the competition, she quickly became one of the breakout stars, adored for her quirky charm, kindness, and unique perspective. Since the show, Yinrun has taken to TikTok to show off her love for dance, regularly hopping onto viral trends. Several of her videos have taken off, most notably her recreation of the ‘apple dance’ to Charli XCX’s hit song Apple – a clip that went viral when her now-fiancé Luke seized the moment mid-recording to pop the question in a surprise proposal.

There may also be some subtle hints that Yinrun could be set for the Strictly ballroom, as she’s recently been spotted hanging out with members of the cast and even posing for photos alongside professional dancers Carlos Gu and Nancy Xu. Her popularity alone could carry her far on the dancefloor, and it would be fascinating to see how she translates her offbeat appeal and newfound dance enthusiasm into ballroom brilliance.

Jill Scott @ 4/1

Ex-Lioness Jill Scott is no stranger to taking home a trophy. After helping the women's England national team to Euro glory and lifting the I’m a Celebrity crown, Strictly would be the next logical step in her post-football career. Competitive, hilarious, and fiercely determined, Jill would likely approach the show with the same energy she brought to the pitch – and audiences would undoubtedly be cheering her on every step of the way.

Georgia Toffolo @ 6/1

Queen of the jungle – but can she become queen of the dancefloor? Georgia Toffolo, affectionately known as “Toff”, is a bubbly socialite with a loyal fanbase and a flair for charming the nation. She’s also a proud grafter, managing multiple businesses, so whether her packed schedule allows time for Strictly rehearsals could be the real deciding factor. If she makes it onto the series, expect poise, polish, and plenty of public support.

Dougie Poynter @ 6/1

McFly bassist Dougie Poynter already has experience on a reality TV stage – having previously won I'm a Celebrity. With musicality clearly in his veins and a cool, laid-back attitude, he could be a dark horse in the competition. His bandmate Harry Judd took home the glitterball in 2011, so perhaps Dougie is ready to follow in his footsteps and swap guitar riffs for quicksteps.

Alexander Dragonetti @ 7/1

Alexander won the hearts of the nation earlier this year on BBC’s The Traitors, and his growing fanbase could give him a solid boost if he makes his way onto the Strictly line-up. With a magnetic screen presence, he might just have the right mix of intrigue and enthusiasm to surprise us on the dancefloor. Having missed out on winning The Traitors at the very last hurdle, fans have been eager for him to make his return to the world of reality TV – and this could be his perfect comeback.

Linda Rands @ 8/1

Another Traitors alum, Linda Rands brought warmth, wit, and a no-nonsense attitude to the castle, and fans quickly took her into their hearts. Should she trade treachery for tango, her journey on Strictly could prove both heartfelt and hilarious – a fan-favourite in the making. Lying and deceit may not have been her forte on The Traitors, but given her opera background, a ballroom venture might prove more successful for the nation’s most hilarious traitor.

Phil Taylor @ 8/1

Darts legend Phil Taylor could have his eyes on a new prize. As a 16-time world champion, “The Power” has long been rumoured for various reality shows, including I’m a Celebrity. While any of the rumours are yet to become a reality, there’s clearly a fan demand for the star to make a move to the big screens, so it may come down to who can offer the best deal. If he does decide to give Strictly a go however, don’t count him out straight away as he’s made a career of aiming for perfection!

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