Strictly 2025 launch date 'leaked' - and it's bad news for fans

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been left questioning the reported launch date for the upcoming series of the celebrity ballroom dancing show after sources "leaked" it online. According to TV Zone, this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing will air a week later than recent seasons. TV Zone claimed on Twitter: "FYI - this year's Strictly is a week later than recent series, with the show launching on September 20. Hence, no celebrity reveals just yet..."

The magazine also said it "believes" the first live show will air on Saturday, September 27. Last year, the show launched on September 14, but the live shows began on September 21. In 2023, Strictly started on September 16, and the live shows began on September 23.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have been contacted by Express.co.uk for comment.

Following the "leaked" announcement on X, Strictly fans flocked to the comment sections. Someone wrote, "Why so late? Does that mean the final will be closer to Christmas than? I just want the celebrity announcements."

Another stated: "Yes, it's less than a week before Christmas, which has me worried that the pros are going to be in a hurry to go and see their families around the world... I hope they were made aware of this when they renewed their contracts."

A pleased fan wrote: "Final will be on Saturday December 20 2025, just 5 days before Christmas."

This year, the usual judging panel, which includes Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and head judge Shirley Ballas, will be returning.

Some new faces will be hitting the dance floor this year, too, as Julian Cailon and Alexis Warr are joining the show as professional dancers. Julian is an Aussie dancer who has appeared on Dancing with the Stars Down Under, and Alexis is an American dancer who won So You Think You Can Dance in 2022.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.