It’s clear Strictly 2025 is a two-horse race after couple reveals

On the surface, it’s not a line-up with enormous star power (Picture: BBC/PA)

The Strictly Come Dancing pairings have been announced, and already a line-up that first felt woefully bland is infinitely more exciting.

As per tradition, the Strictly class of 2025 was announced in dribs and drabs throughout early August, and like every other year, it was met with the same complaint: ‘Who are these people?’

On the surface, it’s not a line-up with enormous star power – but there’s a lot to be excited about.

We’ve got the promise that the unlikeliest national treasure, Danny Dyer, will be in the audience cheering on his daughter Dani from the sidelines. La Voix, will be the first (and long overdue) drag queen to take part in the main Strictly series after Tayce’s breakout in the 2024 Christmas special.

And I cheered when it was announced model Ellie Goldstein will take to the BBC ballroom as the first contestant with Down Syndrome. 

Personally, I was most excited when the final name was confirmed for the line-up: Game of Thrones hero Kristian Nairn – who is also a 6’10” drag queen and DJ – and such an unexpected gear change for Strictly.

Cope is already the bookies’ favourite to win (Picture: BBC/PA)

Sadly, just weeks into training, Nairn was forced to pull out with an injury and was replaced by Emmerdale star Lewis Cope – who, through no fault of his own, is a predictable booking. I still feel robbed of watching an extraordinary character on an extraordinary journey.

Cope is already the bookies’ favourite to win, and until now, I would have put my money on him, too. He exudes Prince Charming, he’s starred in the West End as Billy Elliot, and he’s represented the UK as part of a group in a world championship dance competition.

But after seeing the pairings, I am no longer dejected – because I think this year’s Strictly is already a two-horse race, and Cope is no longer in the running.

He’s been paired with Katya Jones, now one of the show’s longest-serving dancers, and undoubtedly one of its most popular pros after bouncing back from the Seann Walsh scandal. 

But I just can’t imagine their chemistry coming close to their biggest competition. 

Dani Dyer has been partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, who I think is long overdue to lift the Glitterball trophy and it feels like this has to be his year. 

Dani was one of the most beloved Love Island contestants of all time, breaking the mould of what makes a typical Islander. 

She avoided drama at all costs, settled down almost immediately with the first man she was coupled with, and basically won her series from the moment she walked through the door – on her own merit.

Dani was one of the most beloved Love Island contestants of all time (Picture: CHANNEL FOUR)

Sure, her famous father may have boosted her chances of getting into the villa, but she won that show by being genuine and kind.

And Nikita is one of the few people on the planet who, to me, seems just as pure. 

Together, their chemistry is going to be absolutely electric. I’m rarely excited for a slower dance on Strictly – I’ll skip a Waltz no matter who’s performing it – but the thought of watching Nikita help Dani glide around the dance floor is already giving me goosebumps.

Her toughest competition without a doubt will be Ellie now that she’s been paired with Vito Coppola, who has quickly become one of the most popular male pros.

Her toughest competition without a doubt will be Ellie (Picture: Kate Green/Getty Images)

Just three series into his Strictly career, he’s made three finals and won his first with Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, which absolutely no one saw coming at the beginning of the 2024 series.

His puppy-like energy is so infectious, he brings out joy in whoever he’s dancing with, and when he’s paired with someone already bursting with enthusiasm and excitement, they’re going to be impossible not to love.

Of course, there could still be a dark horse among the cast.

As a die-hard River Song fan, I was already thrilled to see Alex Kingston taking part, and now she’s been partnered with Johannes Radebe – who I would call the undisputed queen of the ballroom. 

Johannes has two secret weapons that always propel him through the contest: his choreography is spectacular, and his partners consistently look like they’re having more fun than anyone else.

I can’t think of a single series where I haven’t rooted for Johannes to win, and while I wouldn’t put him in the race for the trophy this year – just because I believe Dani and Ellie will be that popular – I’ll absolutely be voting for him again.

And then came the news that Dianne Buswell is about to make history as the first pregnant dancer on Strictly, a year after she won with one of the most memorable champions of all time, Chris McCausland.

Neighbours star Stef Dennis — bless him — was destined to be booted out of the contest within the first four weeks. Dianne will probably buy him a couple more weeks, still riding high on that journey with Chris last year, but if we get to watch her being unstoppable on the dance floor with a bump, it will be incredibly impressive — and no doubt a great vote winner.

Drag queen La Voix is a triple threat: actor, dancer and singer (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

At this point, I can’t see any other couple breaking through. My heart bleeds for Amy Dowden, who is so deserving of a magical chapter on Strictly, but she’s been lumped with the insufferable Thomas Skinner.

Drag queen La Voix is a triple threat: actor, dancer and singer, and has been paired with the absolutely adorable Aljaž Škorjanec.

La Voix is not only going to bring some of the best performances of the series, but she is also the perfect ambassador for the drag community, which needs this representation on prime-time Saturday night more than ever. 

I’ll be rooting for La Voix all the way, but I’d be amazed if we’re not already guaranteed a Dani Dyer, Ellie Goldstein, and Lewis Cope final.

Of course, anything can happen between now and mid-December. Vicky Pattison, Balvinder Sopal, Chris Robshaw, George Clarke, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, and Ross King may well be secretly hiding their talents – but I can’t imagine any of them winning over the public with their respective partners. 

At least not yet.

I’ll be voting for Alex Kingston and La Voix – but as a betting man, I’d put my money on Dani Dyer or Ellie Goldstein for sure.

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