**Strictly Come Dancing Returns for its 21st Series: New Pairings and Exciting Changes**
**Strictly Come Dancing**, the BBC’s beloved dance competition, has officially returned for its 21st season, unveiling a fresh line-up of celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners. As always, the series promises glamour, drama, and spectacular routines as the new cast vies for the coveted Glitterball trophy. The season will culminate in a grand finale scheduled for 20 December, setting the stage for months of dazzling television and fierce competition.
**A Diverse Cast of Celebrities**
This year’s Strictly line-up features a wide array of celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, sports, and social media, ensuring there is someone for every viewer to root for. Among the most highly anticipated contestants is Thomas Skinner, the charismatic businessman and former star of The Apprentice. Skinner has been in the media spotlight ever since his participation was announced, and his involvement has already sparked headlines. He has been paired with professional dancer Amy Dowden, making her return to the show after missing the 2023 season due to a cancer diagnosis. Skinner expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “I’m over the moon to be partnered with Amy. I hope you can teach me a few moves because I’m useless at the minute.”
Another notable pairing is reality star Vicky Pattison, best known for her appearances on Geordie Shore and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! She will be dancing with Kai Widdrington, a fan-favorite professional. Pattison shared her excitement, describing herself as “thrilled” with the match and eager to get started.
Actress Alex Kingston, recognized for her roles in Doctor Who and ER, was paired with Johannes Radebe, whom she affectionately called her “number one.” Meanwhile, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who described her participation as a “dream come true,” will dance with Australian professional Julian Caillon.
**A Season of Firsts and Inspirational Stories**
Strictly has always celebrated diversity, and this season is no exception. Model Ellie Goldstein, who has Down’s syndrome, makes history as the first contestant with Down’s syndrome to compete in the main series. She will be partnered with Vito Coppola, and the pair charmed viewers during the launch show with a special secret handshake. Goldstein’s participation is being hailed as a landmark moment for representation on the show.
Among other contestants, former England rugby union captain Chris Robshaw has been paired with Nadiya Bychkova. Robshaw admitted to watching clips of Bychkova online to prepare for their partnership. Internet personality George Clarke will dance with American professional Alexis Warr, who expressed her hope that Clarke would “embody this show and enjoy it.”
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his appearances as a Gladiator, has been matched with Karen Hauer. Their first routine will be a high-energy cha cha cha set to Salt-N-Pepa’s classic hit “Push It.” Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen is “honestly so happy” to be dancing with Nikita Kuzmin, while ex-footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink seemed pleased to meet his partner Lauren Oakley.
Former Lioness Karen Carney, a star of England’s women’s football team, is paired with Carlos Gu. Singer and drag performer La Voix was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, joking on meeting her partner, “That’s the one I said I didn’t want!” Former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope is “over the moon” to be with professional Katya Jones, and ITV entertainment reporter Ross King humorously told his partner Jowita Przystal, “You drew the short straw.” Meanwhile, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis will dance with Dianne Buswell, with Buswell calling them the “Aussie dream team.”
**A Touching Comeback for Amy Dowden and Jessie J**
Amy Dowden’s return to Strictly is particularly poignant. She missed the previous series after being diagnosed with cancer, and her comeback is being celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. Ahead of the launch, singer Jessie J—also recently diagnosed with breast cancer—shared a supportive photo with Dowden, symbolizing solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity.
The launch show featured a powerful performance by last year’s winners, comedian Chris McCaus