To think the Strictly celebrity line up is absolutely dire this year?

[KimberleyClark]

I’ve heard of 3 out of the 15 “celebrities”. If this is the best they can come up with then the show must be on its last legs. I think the brand must have been fatally damaged by the business with Giovanni and Graziano.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/articles/2025/strictly-come-dancing-2025-celebrity-contestants-confirmed

It's always been formulaic and a successful one at that.
They want the widest possible reach.
So...in very broad strokes...
Influencers for the young
Morning telly/soaps for the older
LGBT for the pink pound
Reality for the middle
Cbeebies for the kids
Sports for the husbands being forced to watch it
Overlap for many of those before you all come for me
They are all still famous enough, in their fields e.g. the four sportspeople played internationally

Oh yeah, and the drag artist can fuck off. I hate drag. Mysognistic shit.

True, but it’s so dull now. Needs a shake-up. Think outside the box, find new people from different areas.

I recognise Paul from Neighbours. I’ve never seen it so I might be way off but why do they need to be famous? If you want to watch people dance and then be scored what difference does it make if they read the news or whatever? The singing competitions don’t use famous people .

Did it ever have actual celebrities though? I mean the only season I ever saw part of back in 2009ish had a top two of Chris Hollins and Ricky Whittle... who?! The only really well known contestants AFAICR were Martina Hingis and Tuffers.

I recognise 6 with one or two other names being vaguely familiar but I couldn’t have said why without reading the linked article.

I don’t mind not knowing most of them, but I don’t even vaguely fancy any of them this year and, being the shallow bitch I am, that doesn’t bode well for how much I’m going to enjoy it. I always find a slight crush, even one I have to try pretty hard to muster up to start with, helps to keep my interest.

It’s been a while since I felt excited for a new season, watched it every Saturday or if not then caught up when I missed it, but I’m sure we’ll watch at least some this year - my daughter loves it.

I know two of them. But I never know many and it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference to how much I enjoy it.

I’m very uneasy about the inclusion of Thomas Skinner who used to seem like a nice enough bloke but is now fast becoming a MAGA/far right mouthpiece on social media.

Comedians was a newish signing with Seann (!), Susan, (Chris), Bill, Jayde and Chris Mc. Surprised they had no stand-up/circuit comedian/enne available this time around.

Telly chefs was another but after James, Dave, Simon, Gregg(!) and John, seem thin on the ground. Never had a female chef on (nope, not counting Tilly).

Only had a few politicians.
One jockey? Although many knob jockeys

Not sure they've ever had or plundered authors. Not sure why not. There must be some famous ones out there, who'd put on their dancing shoes, Marian Keyes not withstanding.

Yes this! I always start thinking I know who my favourite will be and it always ends up being someone I’d never heard of before the show!
it’s actually part of the fun for me, getting to see different personalities and how the couples gel and get on, and if they have chemistry on the dance floor.

Yes, I can't wait to see her ❤️

I noticed no comedian as well @KeepCalmAndCarryOnScrolling- which does seem an oversight as they usually make the “it takes two” programmes a bit more fun.

I do think it seems a poor group this year. Perhaps they are sort of letting this be a fallow year and are negotiating hard for bigger names next year. Do hope it’s got more women next year then.

I absolutely love Strictly - for me it's one of the best things on TV. It's just unadulterated joy. I do agree about this year's line up though - it does seem a bit lacklustre but we won't really know until the show starts. Just because a celeb isn't particularly well knows to the masses, it doesn't mean that they won't make a brilliant Strictly celeb dancer. I'm sure I saw or read that Rosie Jones was going to be in it too but don't think she is now? Confusing!

They need fewer celebrities. The opening episodes are way too long. Start the series later in the year too.

I know one this year

What's he posted that's MAGA/far right?

Tom Skinner seems a decent guy and was a total gent on the apprentice

Bunch of z listers who I’ve mostly never heard of other than Stefan Dennis from the original Neighbours line up!

Why are the women referred to as being actors and not actresses? That’s a bit odd.

I know 8 and I am pants with celebrity culture

The BBC have for a long time continued shows far too long, not recognising any diminishing appeal and quality. Strictly is just one example, The Apprentice and Not Going Out come to mind as other recent ones.

Same. Am assuming he'll be in full drag 'glam' for every episode regardless of the theme, with a significant level of camera time and judge fawning to show how 'with it and relevant' they are. Can all ready predict a
'GIRLFRIEND!! You are faaaabu-LUS!!' 🙄

Can't see bbc promoting anyone who's a teeny bit central leaning never mind some one far right!
And MAGA? whys he promoting American political ideas?

He's not promoting anything. Just patriotism, dirty word now.

Most “actresses” now prefer to be called actors. Nothing odd about it-it’s been going on a while.

He's a Trump lover, so he's already gone down in my estimation.