The BBC has announced the judging panel and the presenting duo for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing - and the line-up has left some fans disappointed
Strictly Come Dancing is all set to waltz back onto our screens with its newly announced line-up of four judges and duo of presenters ready for the 2025 series. Though it feels as if the glitter has barely settled from the previous series, in just a few short weeks Strictly 2025 will be sashaying its way back into our lives.
The BBC dropped a bombshell announcement, confirming the judging panel and presenting team – a revelation that has certainly sent fans into a tail-spin.
The Beeb's very own Strictly Come Dancing Twitter account lifted the curtain on the four returning judges: Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood.
Taking the reins once again as show hosts will be Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The BBC expressed its excitement with flair: "We've been limbering-up and practicing our curtseys, ready for the new series of Strictly with our amazing judging panel, Shirley, Anton, Motsi and Craig and our incredible MBE's Tess and Claudia - Congratulations on your FAB-U-LOUS achievement!", reports the Express.
What this means is an unexpected continuity, with the same lineup as last year, catching some aficionados off guard who had anticipated changes, especially considering the rumours about Craig possibly bowing out from the beloved dancing contest.
Victoria Battman couldn't hide her surprise: "Wait what! ! ! I thought Craig was leaving happy he's staying but! ! ! ! ! ?".
Ashleigh Sarah Luckhurst questioned the decision: "Am I only one that thinks the judging panel needs a good shake up? Especially after last year and blatant favouritism regardless of dance skills."
On a more elated note, Karen Fox exclaimed: "So happy Craig is there. I thought he was leaving. Wouldn't be the same without him."
Some viewers suggested that judges Shirley or Motsi were the ones who should have left the show. Wendy Kitching commented: "Should got rid of motsi and Shirley need a new vamp."
Additionally, Sylvie Beckett remarked: "Shirley and Motsi need replacing."
Conversely, other fans expressed excitement for the show’s return without any changes. Emmanuel Tsekouras shared: "I love these judges."
Karen Proctor also expressed anticipation, saying: "Can't wait to watch the new season in September."
The 2024 series of Strictly was triumphed by comedian Chris McCausland along with his professional dancing partner, Dianne Buswell from Australia.
Their iconic "blackout" routine, which caused a stir on social media, featured McCausland blindfolding Buswell as the lights dimmed – an act symbolising his personal reality.
Upon the illumination of the room, the audience witnessed McCausland, aged 47, effortlessly carrying Buswell on his shoulders amongst a spectacular display of fireworks. He made history as the competition’s inaugural blind contestant, having been fully sightless since he was 22 due to retinitis.
