Strictly Charity 2025 and BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing - Two Stages, One Sparkling Journey!

A Sparkling Start to Strictly Charity 2025

As glitter balls turn and sequins catch the spotlight, we're thrilled to announce that our Strictly Charity journey in support of the incredible charity Inspire has officially begun, and it’s launched in a dazzling

collision of rhythm, sparkle, and heart.

Just as millions across the nation are welcoming back the glitz and glamour of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, we too are stepping onto our very own dancefloor, all in the name of a fantastic cause. Week by week, our Strictly Charity experience will unfold in parallel with the much-loved TV show, bringing you a unique blend of dance and fundraising that promises to entertain, inspire, and make a real difference.

Two stages. One love for dance. One mission to make an impact. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a step!

BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing returned with a bang- and what a party it was!

The show opened up with a dazzling pro group number which brought all the glitz, glamour, and high energy celebration which we have been waiting for. The atmosphere was electric and once again the show’s grand opening did not disappoint! Last year’s champion, Chris McCausland, set the tone for the opening number with a skit of him locking up the glitter ball trophy and expressing how he is going to keep it, and the pros captivated the audience from their very first steps!

This season we were once again welcomed back to the incredible judging panel of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke who will be lending their expertise and charisma generously as the couples perform each week. As the show unfolded, the celebrities were paired with their professional dancers, and they are as follows:

• Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden

• Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington

• Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe

• Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.

• Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova

• Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola

• George Clarke and Alexis Warr

• Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer

• Dani Dyer-Bowen and Nikita Kuzmin

• Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley

• Karen Carney and Carlos Gu

• La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec

• Lewis Cope and Katya Jones

• Ross King and Jowita Przystal

• Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell

We were also introduced to Julian and Alexis, who are making their debut this season as Strictly Pros, and they lit up the floor with talent, flair, and undeniable stage presence. Jessie J gave a breathtaking performance and soon after we saw an emotional flash back to last year’s champions Chris and Diane, who then showcased their last Waltz together.

Strictly Charity 2025: One dance floor. Endless impact!

Meanwhile at the ballroom, the Ipswich School of Dancing’s Strictly Charity 2025 was well and truly in full swing. Auditions took place last week and excitement was already building. With anticipation in the air, our contestants were left wondering- who will they be paired with?

This year, there's an exciting twist to our usual format. Instead of the standard 10 couples, we’re turning things up a notch. Some of our advanced dancers are stepping up to the challenge and taking on two partners! It’s a bold move that promises even more dazzling routines, creative choreography, and double the fun on the dancefloor.

And that's not the only change this year. To give our dancers the chance to truly shine, each couple will perform just one dance on the big night instead of two. This allows them to focus all their energy, creativity, and passion into delivering one unforgettable, show-stopping routine.

Our Strictly Charity 2025 couples and their dances are as follows:

Tony and Judy - Cha Cha Cha

Tony and Caroline - Waltz

Howard and Tracy- Sequence selection

Amy and Tania - Samba

Natalie and Amanda- Salsa

Charlotte and Bev - Quickstep

Charlotte and Stella - Jive

Max and Stacey - Cha Cha Cha

Jp and Kasia - Waltz

Lorna and Julie - Tango

Lorna and Lucy - Samba

Wes and Nella - Salsa

Nella and Megan - Jive

Abbie and Jade - Jive

Abby and Laura - Foxtrot

James and Rebecca - Cha Cha Cha

William and Prita - Samba

Sammy and Susie - Quickstep

Sammy and Ellora - Rumba

Matt and Sophie - Foxtrot

Matt and Teresa - Rumba

That means we have 21 incredible contestants we’ll get to witness blossom into seasoned dancers by the big night- Saturday, 13th December 2025. We can’t wait to watch their journey unfold and see how far they’ll come. One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a night to remember!

At Ipswich School of Dancing, it’s about more than just dance - it’s about giving back. Strictly Charity 2025 is proud to support Inspire, a remarkable local charity dedicated to enriching lives and empowering our community. This event is a shining example of how dance can go beyond entertainment- becoming a force for real, positive change.

Join the Buzz: Predict This Week’s Strictly Highlights!

What are your thoughts for the upcoming week on both Strictly Charity 2025 and BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing? Who do you think will dazzle under the spotlight, and who might face the toughest challenges? We’d love to hear your predictions!

Join the conversation, share your insights, and help keep the excitement alive as both events unfold side by side.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow these incredible dance journeys - all while supporting the inspiring work of Inspire through Strictly Charity 2025.

Image credit BBC