Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis is confirmed as the 12th celebrity to join Strictly Come Dancing’s star-studded 2025 series after Vicky Pattison and Thomas Skinner were revealed

Stefan Dennis has been confirmed as the 12th celebrity to be joining Strictly Come Dancing’s 2025 line-up.

The soap opera legend, 66, will be taking to the dance floor for the BBC competition alongside a whole host of celebrities after filming his final episode of Neighbours last month.

Stefan has famously played the womanising and villainous Paul Robinson on the Australian soap for four decades.

But his time on Ramsay Street is now well and truly over as Neighbours has been axed once again, just two years after being briefly revived by Amazon Freevee.

‘Gail is a professional dancer, she’s been trying to teach me in the most frustrating way I’m sure because I’ve just been burying my head in the sand.’

‘I have become more and more aware of that as the journey continues on, we have an Australian version and that’s the only one I’ve been able to look at, but everyday I’m more aware of how huge it is! The nightly audience is phenomenal.’ 

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Stefan has starred on Neighbours since it first debuted in 1985, going on to leave the show in 1992, but then returning in 2004.

Expressing his gratitude for the soap that shot him to fame, he gushes that without it, he wouldn’t have met the people and lived experiences of a lifetime.

Stefan reflected: ‘I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years.’ 

Neighbours’ impact is immeasurable and has produced household names like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, to gain an unlikely cultural significance in Britain. 

The final episode is set to air on December 11, after fans have witnessed the drama be axed three times – first by Australia’s Network 7 in 1985, then again by the UK’s Channel 5 in 2022, and finally by Amazon Freevee this year.

Earlier in the show, it was revealed that Vicky Pattison would also be joining the upcoming series of Strictly, set to kick off in September.

The former Geordie Shore star’s identity was finally revealed during an announcement live on ITV’s This Morning.

She dramatically burst through a glittering paper blockage featuring the Strictly branding into the studio as her identity was revealed to viewers at home. 

‘I’ve not got high hopes for my dancing, I’m a drinker, not a dancer, drunk auntie dancing is me,’ she cheekily quipped.

Vicky, 37, went on to admit that she had no misconceptions about lifting the glitterball trophy at the end, insisting she doesn’t think she will win.

However, she still promised to work hard on the series and give it her all as she shared her excitement and nerves about signing up for the popular show.

‘I am terrified, can you tell?’ she told hosts Emma Willis and Craig Doyle.

Of joining Strictly, Vicky added in a statement: ”I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. I am a not a natural dancer! 

‘However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don’t make too much of a fool of myself!’

Vicky had long been rumoured to be joining the show and was said to have caught the attention of producers when she cheered on pal Pete Wicks from the audience during last year’s series.

And Pete shared his delight over his friend following in his footsteps as he took to Instagram to cheer on Vicky after the announcement.

Sharing a photograph of them at her wedding to her husband Ercan Ramadan, he penned: ‘You’ve got this.’

Vicky rose to fame in 2011 on MTV’s Geordie Shore, becoming known for her wild nights out and on-screen flings. 

Vicky then went on to be crowned I’m A Celebrity’s Queen of the Jungle in 2015, a moment she’s since called the ‘best thing’ she’s ever done.

Last year, the Newcastle-born star revealed that wouldn’t say no to Strictly, but admitted dancing wasn’t her strong suit. 

She told the publication: ‘When I found out Pete was doing it, I called him straight away to check he was alright. 

‘Because me and him are more ”stand in the corner, drink and have a laugh” than the ‘centre of the dance floor’ people.’

She added that as she’s got older, she knows she should be pushing herself out of her comfort zone.

Just hours before Vicky joined the line-up, Thomas Skinner was revealed as the tenth celebrity contestant for the series.

He first hit TV screens on The Apprentice in 2019, becoming a breakout star of the series. 

Since leaving the boardroom, he has become a social media star – recently shocking fans when it was revealed he’d formed an unlikely friendship with JD Vance, after the US Vice-President became familiar with his profile on X/Twitter. 

On being a part of Strictly, Thomas said: ‘I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping on to the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!

‘I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and, most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’

Earlier in the day, Thomas hinted at his new gig as he shared a snap of his breakfast.  

The reality star famously posts snaps of his bizarre breakfast feasts at Dino’s cafe, and on Thursday he showed off his meal of pie and chips with beans and alphabet potatoes. 

Eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot that he’d spelled out Strictly in his potatoes.  

Thomas’ unlikely friendship with JD began on X and resulted in him receiving an invite to join the politician at his Cotswolds holiday residence for a barbecue where other guests included Cambridge academic James Orr and Conservative MP Danny Kruger.

News of his new Strictly gig comes a day after trailblazing model and influencer Ellie Goldstein, Drag Race star La Voix and rugby player Chris Robshaw were confirmed as the seventh, eighth and ninth contestants for the new series of Strictly. 

The three celebrities confirmed their participation in an announcement shared on Wednesday’s edition of The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2.

Ellie is a model, actress and influencer who became the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue.

Additionally she has featured in campaigns for Gucci, Adidas and Victoria’s Secret, while maintaining an ambassadorship for the learning disability charity Mencap.  

She said: ‘I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. 

‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream.

‘I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!’

When Ellie was born, doctors said that she would ‘never walk or talk’, and one nurse devastatingly suggested that her parents Yvonne and Mark might want to ‘leave her’ at the hospital. 

But she has defied all expectations since her birth in December 2001, making history as the first model with Down’s syndrome to feature in major international campaigns. 

Her mother, Yvonne, previously told how Ellie wanted to be famous from the age of two and her ‘outgoing’ and ‘bubbly’ personality has helped her achieve all her dreams.

Ellie has been flown to Sweden, Italy and Germany for photoshoots, and strutted her stuff on the catwalk at London Fashion Week.

Ellie was also the first model with Down’s syndrome to ever appear in a campaign for Gucci and has become a very sought-after name in the fashion industry.

She graced the cover of Glamour UK at the age of 18 in an edition which honoured the new faces shaking up fashion and proving it can be inclusive.

Ellie was also involved in helping Mattel to launch its first ever Barbie with Down syndrome and helped to promote the doll after its release.

Joining Ellie on the Strictly line-up, La Voix said in a statement: ‘I’ve performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV.

‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’ 

Chris admitted he was stepping well out of his ‘comfort zone’ by signing up for the show.

He commented: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class.

‘Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.’

The announcement comes after George Clarke was named as the sixth celebrity contestant to take part in the show. 

The YouTuber and podcaster will enter the famous ballroom when Strictly returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September. 

George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star known to millions online. 

Born and raised in the UK, George began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world. 

Since then he has built a thriving digital career with millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice.

He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has proven so popular it has led to a series of live shows across the UK.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, George said: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’

The news was revealed on BBC Radio 1’s Going Home Drivetime Show this afternoon. 

George has built up a huge following on TikTok with an impressive 152million fans and has 679 thousand on Instagram.

He is also often seen teaming up with TikToker Max Balegde as the pair host their podcast together.  

Hours before, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal was announced as the fifth contestant to join Strictly 2025 line-up.

The actress, 46, who plays Suki Panesar on the BBC soap, was revealed as a cast member live on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday morning.  

Balvinder will join a Love Island winner, Doctor Who star and a footballing legend, all of whom were recently revealed as the latest three stars confirmed to take part in Strictly.

Sharing her joy at being part of the show, Balvinder said: ‘Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. 

‘Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’

Meanwhile the actress, who was speaking to GMB’s Richard Arnold from the EastEnders set, told how she had ‘dabbled’ in dancing in the past but is unsure is she’d actually be ‘any good’ once on the dancefloor. 

She explained: ‘I can’t stop butterflies. Every time I think about it, they just go, so, yeah.

‘I dabbled a little bit. I did ballroom and Latin as a kind of hobby, and I really love it. And I think when you’ve got a passion for something, you’re naturally kind of inclined to enjoy it.

‘So I’ll definitely enjoy it. I don’t know if I’ll be any good!’

Balvinder, who has had a successful acting career spanning theatre, radio, film and television, first joined EastEnders back in 2019.

During her six years in Walford, she has been part of a number of gripping storylines including Suki’s affair with now-wife Eve Unwin, being part of ‘The Six’ and her turbulent relationship with villainous husband Nish. 

Prior to stepping foot on Albert Square, Balvinder made appearances in several huge dramas including Call The Midwife, Doctors and Waterloo Road. 

Meanwhile, former Love Island winner Dani Dyer, 29, actress Alex Kingston, 62, and sportsman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53, will also take to the dance floor this year, The One Show announced on Monday night.

They follow Olympian and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who was the first star announced. 

The daughter of acting legend Danny Dyer, who wed husband Jarrod Bowen this year, shot to fame in 2018 on the ITV2 dating show when she bagged the £50,000 prize with Jack Fincham.

Dani said: ‘Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! 

‘I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.’

Doctor Who’s Alex notably appeared in US drama ER from 1997 to 2005 alongside George Clooney.

She also took on a recurring role in Doctor Who, playing River Song – the love interest of Matt Smith’s incarnation of the Doctor and the daughter of Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory (Arthur Darvill).

Alex briefly reprised her role during Peter Capaldi’s stint on the BBC sci-fi show and has also leant her voice to a number of audio releases in the franchise.

Alex has previously spoken about her desire to sign up for Strictly, revealing she and her close friend Sarah Hadland – who competed last year – had discussed it.

‘Sarah Hadland and I talked about how much we’d like to do Strictly Come Dancing,’ she said in 2019.

‘Then I discovered she’s a trained ballet dancer. ‘Hang on a minute! That’s not fair!’ So, I can’t do it on a season when she is on it!’

Speaking to hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Scott about her upcoming stint, the actress teased: ‘My hips don’t lie.’

Meanwhile, former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex England coach said he’s looking forward to the challenge.

He said: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge!

‘Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’

The father-of-four was a professional player with Leeds and Middlebrough for two decades before he retied in 2008. 

Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his alter-ego Nitro, was the first celebrity revealed to taking part in the new series, after competing on the Christmas Special last year.

His involvement was revealed in a prank to CBBC Newsround viewers, after the BBC had previously said the first stars taking part would be revealed much later in the day.

Flexing his reputation as a star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, Aikines-Aryeetey, 36, appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as ‘world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott’, there to talk about his recent work on a scientific study into the benefits of dancing.

His disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. 

Aikines-Aryeetey then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he’s taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing!

Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators. 

As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17. 

Aikines-Aryeetey has gone on to win gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. 

He has competed in two Olympic games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion.

In 2023, Aikines-Aryeetey was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, and he took part in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special partnered with Nancy Xu.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Aikines-Aryeetey said: ‘After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got. 

‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’

On Sunday it was reported that Natalie Imbruglia and Delta Goodrem are ‘in negotiations’ to take part in the show. 

A new report suggested the two Australian stars are both in talks to appear while another former Neighbours star – Stefan Dennis – is also said to be in the running. 

A source told The Sun: ‘Talks are at a point where things could go in a number of different directions but if both celebrities signed up then that would be seen as quite a coup for the show.

‘Delta and Natalie would bring some glamour to the programme, and be some of this year’s most eagerly anticipated competitors.

‘If all three former Neighbours stars end up performing, the Strictly dance floor will end up looking more like Ramsay Street.’

Strictly’s new series has been hit by a string of scandals in the lead-up to its return, including revelations that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals.

One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelt alcohol on their breath.

The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.

The publication have now reported that junior members of the team were asked to keep an eye on them during last year’s show and to look for signs that they may have been boozing during work hours.

Over the weekend, a staffer also claimed they were offered cocaine by one of the show’s stars.

He told The Sun: ‘The main partying is on site at Elstree after filming of the live show has finished. Boozing and drug taking goes on until 3am, sometimes 4am. The smoking area outside is a hive of activity. Cocaine gets taken there’.

He went on to claim that drug use was so common on the show, that when he found a suspicious bag of white powder, an unfazed senior producer told him to ‘leave it on my desk’ as the incident failed to raise even an eyebrow. 

The staff member also said the show’s annual special filmed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom was an especially ‘big party night’ full of debauchery. 

‘I was offered cocaine by a star at an after show party. Lots of people would go back to the hotel. It was a closed-off party, just for the cast and crew. It went on until 5am, even to 6am, it was insane. People were wired and you could see it in their eyes’. 

A BBC spokesperson told Daily Mail: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’

The shock allegations come amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so.

In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing ‘personal reasons’, actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of ‘unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour’ during their time dancing together on Strictly .

Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld.

When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni’s behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment.

Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was ‘pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour’.

Elsewhere, the show was plunged into crisis after Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans made a controversial joke during his time preparing for the Strictly tour in January.

He used a vile sexual innuendo and was also caught up in a ‘wandering hand’ incident with dance partner Katya Jones , who seemed to remove his arm from her lower waist on the show.

After the BBC launched an investigation into his conduct, bosses decided not to renew his radio contract for his show.

The TV star confirmed in May that they will not be renewing his one-year rolling contract following a four-month investigation after the inappropriate comments made during his time on Strictly.

Elsewhere, in further scandals for the BBC, Gregg Wallace was recently dismissed from MasterChef after more than 40 complaints against him were upheld following a BBC investigation.

While his co-star John Torode was also sacked after two decades over allegations that he used the N-word, which he claims to have ‘absolutely no recollection’ of.

In separate further controversy, it’s recently been reported that Naga Munchetty could face an investigation from BBC bosses after she was accused of bullying a junior colleague.

The BBC Breakfast host, 50, has been placed ‘under review’ while bosses consider escalating complaints to a formal investigation, The Sun reports.

A source said higher-ups had heard from several colleagues and logged concerns over her ‘hard’ and ‘bullying’ behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as her Radio 5 Live show.