Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Format Shake-Up, All-Star Calls, and Fresh Scandals
A Format Twist: “Switch-Up Week”

Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly set for a major shake-up in its 2025 series. According to The Sun, producers are planning a “switch-up week” where celebrities and professionals swap partners for one week only.

Fan Involvement: Viewers would vote to decide which celebrities get paired with which professionals.

Potential Impact: While it promises novelty and fresh dynamics, some insiders fear it could “disrupt the chemistry” of established pairs.

BBC’s Response: A Strictly spokesperson denied the report when asked by the Daily Mail, saying the story “isn’t true.”

This idea isn’t unprecedented — Kai Widdrington previously took part in a similar format on Ireland’s Dancing With the Stars in 2020, where it was well received.

Ian Waite Calls for an All-Star Series

Former Strictly professional Ian Waite has publicly called on the BBC to launch a Strictly All-Stars edition, bringing back iconic dancers for a special season.

He suggested it could air in spring (April/May) as a bonus series.

Waite also criticized Strictly for “never” bringing pros back after they leave — unlike U.S. versions of the show.

Off-Stage Troubles and Ongoing Investigations

The show is also under scrutiny following several off-stage controversies:

Police Inquiry: The BBC has referred a new allegation to the Metropolitan Police, with detectives said to be examining claims of sexual and drug-related offences.

Recent Arrest: On Friday, August 22, a male Strictly star was reportedly arrested on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. Police confirmed it is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Clarification: A BBC spokesperson stressed that there is no suggestion the arrest is connected to the current production.

This comes amid wider inquiries into alleged cocaine use by two Strictly stars, further clouding the run-up to this year’s launch.

2025 Line-Up and Training Underway

Despite the turbulence, this year’s celebrity cast has been confirmed:

Dani Dyer (Love Island winner)

Stefan Dennis (Neighbours icon)

Lewis Cope (Emmerdale star, announced last week as the final addition)

Training is already in motion ahead of the September premiere, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning as hosts and Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse resuming their seats on the judging panel.