Strictly 2025 Launch Show wins big ratings
The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 launch-show was watched by a peak of 5.6 million viewers on Saturday night.
The big figures for the pre-recorded 90 minute special will come as a relief to bosses, following a string of high-profile scandals relating to the show over the last year.
And the programme may even surpass the 2024 launch show, once streaming and on-demand figures from BBC iPlayer are taken into account.
The show saw this year’s celebrities meet their professional partners for the first time, and included special performances from Jessie J and last year’s champion, Chris McCausland.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Celebrity and Professional Dancer pairings
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
Award-winning actor Alex is dancing with Johannes.
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Actor and EastEnders star Balvinder is paired with new professional dancer Julian.
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova
Former England rugby captain Chris takes to the floor with Nadiya.
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin
TV personality, broadcaster and author Dani is coupling up with Nikita.
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola
Trailblazing model, actor and influencer Ellie is dancing with Vito.
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
YouTuber and podcaster George is teaming up with new pro Alexis.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer
Olympian and Gladiator Harry aka Nitro is paired with Karen.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley
Former professional footballer and football manager Jimmy is dancing with Lauren.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Sports presenter and legendary Lioness Karen is paired with Carlos.
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec
Performer, presenter and singer La Voix is partnering up with Aljaž.
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Actor Lewis Cope is coupled with Katya.
Ross King and Jowita Przystal
Hollywood correspondent, author and broadcaster Ross is dancing with Jowita.
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell
Actor and Neighbours star Stefan is paired with reigning Strictly champion Dianne.
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden
TV personality, social media star and businessman Thomas is teaming up with Amy.
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington
TV star and broadcaster Vicky is coupled with Kai.