Anticipation for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing is reaching a fever pitch, with fans eager for any glimpse into the highly guarded celebrity line-up. Adding to the excitement, professional dancer Dianne Buswell has recently shared intriguing insights into what she’s “heard” regarding the potential contestants, particularly focusing on whispers surrounding a well-known soap star.
As August unfolds, the hit BBC dance show is merely weeks away from its dazzling return to television screens. The professional dancers are already immersed in intense rehearsals, perfecting their routines for what promises to be another spectacular series. The BBC had previously confirmed the core professional cast in April, featuring beloved figures such as Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, and Neil Jones, alongside Dianne Buswell herself, all set to grace the iconic ballroom once more.
However, the initial announcement of the professional line-up wasn’t entirely complete. It was later revealed that two dynamic new professional dancers would be making their highly anticipated debut. These exciting additions have since been identified as Alexis Warr, the celebrated champion of So You Think You Can Dance, and Julian Caillon from Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, promising fresh talent and vibrant new choreography to the show’s esteemed roster.
Despite the confirmed professional roster, a significant portion of the buzz continues to swirl around the as-yet-unconfirmed celebrity line-up. Speculation has been rampant in recent weeks, with various prominent figures from the world of entertainment and beyond being linked to the show, fueling daily discussions across social media and news platforms.
Among the most frequently mentioned names for Strictly 2025 are Neighbours icon Stefan Dennis, known globally for his long-standing role as Paul Robinson, alongside reality television personality Vicky Pattison, popular presenter Stacey Solomon, and former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan. The potential inclusion of such diverse and well-loved personalities has only intensified public interest and heightened expectations for the forthcoming series.
A particular point of excitement for fellow Australian Dianne Buswell, the reigning Strictly champ, is the prospect of Stefan Dennis joining the competition. During a recent episode of her podcast, “Winning Isn’t Everything,” co-hosted with comedian Chris McCausland, Dianne openly discussed the celebrity line-up rumours. When quizzed, she initially claimed “no idea” but then let slip, “I heard that there’s going be someone from Neighbours, which would be sick! I would love to dance with an Aussie!” This candid revelation immediately ignited further speculation among fans of the BBC dance show.
The conversation further delved into the identity of the Neighbours star, with Dianne confirming it was actor Stefan Dennis she had heard about. Playfully admitting to being “more of a Home and Away girl,” she sought confirmation from Chris about Stefan’s popularity. Chris obliged, offering historical context to the character’s enduring appeal, adding an amusing layer to the discussion about the potential new celebrity contestant.
Adding to the intrigue, head judge Shirley Ballas also offered tantalizing hints during an appearance on This Morning. She enthusiastically spoke of the two “fabulous professionals” joining the show and teased “little changes there that you’re going to be really surprised about.” Ballas concluded her remarks with a bold promise, stating, “We’ve got a cast – I know I say it every year – but we’ve got a cast of all casts, it’s really going to be absolutely off the charts.”
With such tantalizing tidbits from key figures, the excitement for the new season of Strictly Come Dancing continues to build. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official celebrity line-up announcement, anticipating a series filled with memorable performances, unexpected partnerships, and the usual blend of glamour and drama that makes this entertainment news staple a must-watch television event.
