Re: Strictly 2025 - Page 6

sheepdog · ‎11-08-2025

And how time flies! Time for the annual reveal of this years Strictly cast of celebs. Oh who am I kidding, let's just pick the anonymity out of the dustbin that is the BBC budget for a flagship show. So before the exciting questions of "Who is this" and "Que?" followed by "Weren't they on Eastenders a decade ago?" and the inevitable "Guess who's needs a career boost", we must mention the new and exciting changes.

First, in a very thoughtful and provoking group session in the BBC canteen, same old judges line-up and we'll get more of I, Claudia propped up by Tess Daley emerging from her yearly hibernation box who may sport another subtle cosmetic procedure. DAO is likely to return as Oasis are still on tour.

Though in rather more salacious news, there is a drug investigation by the BBC into two "Strictly stars". Which was submitted in March but hey, a new series of Strictly needs all exposure as possible so was announced a few days ago. Must disengage cynical mode....and two new dancers to join Neil Jones as backing dancers: Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. Usual pro-dancers and yet we still have Katya Jones?

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

First up, because the BBC really need Gladiators to be successful and everyone will be copy & pasting his name cos I ain't typing it. Former athlete and er, current Gladiator. Could do reasonably well but may find himself in the dance-off mid-series because someone has to.

Alex Kingston

Various roles over the years and this years older woman contestant so far. Could be fun or could be not.

Dani Dyer

Not Danny Dyer and just to remind you who she is, the BBC has kindly put up a photo with Danny Dyer. Famous for being Danny Dyer's daughter and being on Love Island but mainly being Danny Dyer's daughter as seen in the photo. Dubious EE link but we await to see if Danny Dyer will be announced as a contestant to remind everyone who the daughter of Danny Dyer is.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Legend. And my favourite so far to bring the entertainment. Possibly some decent footwork coming from a footballer but we'll see. Probably won't help him find a new club to manage though.

sheepdog · ‎20-09-2025

Fortunately I was watching the football for the first hour so only caught the second half. Definitely all filler just like Tess's face...

but if you want to save the time skipping through iplayer, here's what you need:

The first dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufTbm15Isas

and the last dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hawb9cxxKvc

Did Jessie J commit the cardinal sin of getting off her podium and audition for next years series? Which was about the most interesting thing about her performance. Woohoo, more mediocrity to come this series.

By the looks of the end dance, there's a few who are bustin' a move and will go a long way (Lewis Cope looked pretty good), a few are there to bulk up the mid-series part in October/November and at least one who've I've mentioned already won't be making it to week 3 on that showing.

Cleoriff · ‎20-09-2025

Not sure why Tess is still in this show. I felt she'd gone into hibernation after the last show and then they just opened the box for this series and out she popped.

She doesn't present anything else, probably as she's so wooden. I know Claudia isn't as pretty but she has got a personality. Also presents Traitors.

I agree with your comments about Lewis Cope. He's got potential.

I think either Ross or the 'wide boy' Apprentice reject Tommy will be the first to go. I'm not that keen on Ellie but feel the judges will give her the sympathy vote.

Veritas Numquam Perit