Social media star George Clarke has been confirmed as the sixth celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The announcement was made live on BBC Radio 1 this afternoon, completing the latest wave of cast reveals for the 23rd series.
The 25-year-old TikTok personality and co-host of the Useless Hotline alongside Max Balegde expressed his excitement about joining the dancing competition. He said: "I feel like it hasn't quite sunk in yet. It doesn't feel real." Clarke revealed he has withdrawn from a planned marathon at the end of the month to begin his Strictly dance training, adding: "It's been quite a lot of biting my tongue."
Strategic announcement campaign
The BBC has unveiled six contestants across a coordinated announcement campaign spanning major television and radio platforms. Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was the first celebrity confirmed for the dancing competition.
Monday night's The One Show revealed three more famous faces joining the 2025 series. Reality TV star Dani Dyer-Bowen, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were announced by hosts Alex Scott and Roman Kemp. EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal was confirmed as the fifth contestant on Tuesday morning's Good Morning Britain.
September launch preparations
The show returns next month as training has already commenced for the professional dancers. The diverse cast represents a strategic mix spanning sports, reality television, drama, and social media entertainment.
The celebrities will be partnered with the professional dancers who will teach them ballroom and Latin dancing techniques. They'll be aiming to replicate the success of Chris McCausland, who won the 2024 season partnered with Dianne Buswell.
Familiar faces and changes
The judging panel remains unchanged with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas returning to their seats. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will continue as the show's presenting duo.
However, there are changes among the professional lineup. Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez announced he won't be competing with a celebrity partner this year due to commitments to Spanish show Bailando Con Las Estrellas, though he'll participate in group numbers and return for the final weeks.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Liverpool Echo", "Independent", "HuffPost UK" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
