The nation’s most beloved dance competition returns, promising more glitter, more glamour, and more breathtaking moves than ever before. Fifteen new celebrities from the worlds of sport, entertainment, and beyond will trade their day jobs for dancing shoes, embarking on the most challenging and exhilarating journey of their lives. Each week, they will be pushed to their physical and emotional limits as they strive to master everything from the passionate Tango to the joyful Charleston, all under the unforgiving glare of the studio lights and the watchful eyes of the judges.

The competition is fiercer than ever. The fate of the celebrities lies in a delicate balance between the judges’ razor-sharp critiques and the invaluable votes of the viewing public at home. With tears, triumphs, and plenty of tense moments in the dreaded Tesspit, this season promises to be a spectacular rollercoaster of entertainment. Who will conquer their two left feet to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy, and who will hear the dreaded words, “You are the couple leaving Strictly Come Dancing tonight…”?

Meet the Cast of Strictly Come Dancing Season 23

1. Shirley Ballas as Self – Head Judge

Shirley Ballas returns with her unparalleled expertise and exacting standards as the Head Judge of Strictly Come Dancing. Known affectionately as the “Queen of Latin,” Ballas brings a wealth of technical knowledge and a keen eye for detail to the judging panel. Her critiques, while often tough and focused on precision, are always delivered with the intention of helping the celebrities improve and reach their full potential. She is the ultimate authority in the ballroom, whose praise is hard-won and immensely valued.

Ballas’s presence provides the show with its crucial competitive integrity. Beyond the technical analysis, she often becomes a heartfelt mentor figure, especially for the female celebrities, offering encouragement and sharing in their emotional journeys. Her occasional playful banter with fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood and her clear, deep passion for the art of dance make her an indispensable and beloved pillar of the Strictly family.

2. Craig Revel Horwood as Self – Judge / Acting Head Judge

The magnificently acerbic and always entertaining Craig Revel Horwood returns to his rightful place at the judges’ table, this season also taking on the role of Acting Head Judge. Revel Horwood is the pantomime villain the audience loves to hate, famous for his brutally honest, often scathing critiques and his pursuit of “perfection.” His catchphrases, from “It was a disaster, darling!” to the rare and celebrated “severe-ern,” are a staple of the Strictly experience.

Yet, beneath the sharp-tongued exterior lies a deep love for dance and a genuine, if well-hidden, soft spot for the celebrities who show real improvement and heart. When Craig bestows a coveted 10 paddle, it is a moment of pure, unadulterated triumph. His theatrical delivery and impeccable timing provide a huge portion of the show’s humour and drama, making him an iconic fixture in the ballroom.

3. Motsi Mabuse as Self – Judge

The effervescent and radiant Motsi Mabuse returns, bringing an infectious energy and boundless positivity to the panel. Mabuse judges with her heart on her sleeve, often leaping to her feet to celebrate a stellar performance. Her feedback is enthusiastic, empowering, and focused on the performance quality, storytelling, and sheer joy of dance, providing a beautiful counterbalance to the more technical critiques of her colleagues.

Motsi’s own professional dance background gives her comments weight and credibility, and her fashionable ensembles are a weekly highlight. She embodies the feeling of Strictly – the fun, the flair, and the emotional connection – and her unwavering belief in the contestants often gives them the confidence boost they need to power through the competition.

4. Anton du Beke as Self – Judge

The suave and charming Anton du Beke returns with his signature wit and old-school elegance. As a former long-serving professional dancer on the show, du Beke brings a unique perspective to the panel, having been in the celebrities’ shoes countless times. His critiques are often delivered with a warm, gentlemanly humour and are filled with practical advice drawn from his vast experience on the floor.

Du Beke is the panel’s great empathizer, often defending contestants from harsher critiques by acknowledging their bravery and effort. His chemistry with his fellow judges, particularly his playful rivalry with Craig, is a joy to watch. Anton represents the classic glamour and grace of ballroom dancing, and his presence ensures the show’s heart remains firmly intact.

5. Tess Daly as Self – Host / Presenter

The luminous Tess Daly returns as the glamorous anchor of the main show. Daly is the comforting, steadying voice guiding viewers and celebrities alike through the evening’s highs and lows. From her elegant position on the balcony, she seamlessly introduces the acts, conducts post-dance interviews filled with warmth and empathy, and ultimately delivers the tense results with a compassionate grace.

Daly is the epitome of Saturday night glamour and the reassuring heart of the live show. Her ability to handle live television with effortless poise, whether calming a nervous celeb or navigating a technical hiccup, is unparalleled. Alongside Claudia Winkleman, she forms one of British television’s most iconic and beloved hosting duos.

6. Claudia Winkleman as Self – Host

The brilliantly witty and relatable Claudia Winkleman returns to helm the results show from the iconic Clauditorium. Winkleman’s unique brand of self-deprecating humour and quick-fire banter provides the perfect tonic for the couples’ post-dance nerves. Her interviews are less about the technicalities of the dance and more about the human experience—the blisters, the camaraderie, and the sheer madness of the entire endeavour.

Winkleman is the contestants’ chief cheerleader and confidante. Her genuine affection for everyone involved shines through, making her segments feel like catching up with a hilarious friend. She provides the crucial comic relief and emotional decompression that makes the results show essential viewing, perfectly complementing Tess Daly’s more formal role.

– The Professional Dancers

While not listed, the show’s world-class professional dancers are its true backbone. Their incredible talent, patience, and creativity are what transform the celebrities from novices into capable performers. They are choreographers, coaches, therapists, and partners, forming intense bonds with their celebs and sharing in every moment of their Strictly journey, from the first awkward step to the final, show-stopping routine. Their group numbers are spectacular feats of artistry that open every show.

– The Celebrity Contestants

This year’s lineup is our most exciting yet! From the pitch to the ballroom, former England footballers Karen Carney and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will trade tackles for tangos. Rugby hero Chris Robshaw will need all his strength for the lifts. Stefan Dennis (Neighbours) and Alex Kingston (ER) bring acting drama, while Dani Dyer and Vicky Pattison bring reality TV grit and glamour.

Lewis Cope (Emmerdale), Balvinder Sopal (EastEnders), and Ross King bring more soap and showbiz flair. Model and activist Ellie Goldstein will inspire, and comedian Thomas Skinner will delight. Drag superstar La Voix promises camp extravagance, and George Clarkey will channel his creative energy onto the dancefloor. This diverse and game group promises a season filled with unforgettable moments and incredible journeys.

Why Strictly Come Dancing Season 23 Is a Must-Watch

• The Ultimate Feel-Good Show: A sparkling, joyous escape filled with glamour, laughter, and breathtaking performances.

• Incredible Human Stories: Watch the celebrities embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and discovery.

• The Judging Panel: The perfect blend of technical expertise, brutal honesty, and heartfelt encouragement.

• Unmissable Saturday Night Entertainment: The nation’s biggest and most beloved entertainment event is back!

Let’s Get Ready to GLITTERBALL! Strictly Come Dancing Season 23 premieres September 20, 2025, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.