Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts has got some “news” to share and Strictly Come Dancing fans are convinced she is joining the line-up for the 2025 series. The 39-year-old is set to appear on Scott Mills’ Radio 2 Breakfast Show tomorrow to reveal her exciting update. But it isn’t the first time she has set foot in the prestigious ballroom.
Nicola appeared on the hit BBC dancing show three years ago as part of the Christmas special episode. She was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2022 and lost out on the iconic glitterball trophy to EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.
However, she has been linked with Strictly ever since and fans are keen to see her take part in the main show this autumn, reports The Mirror. Taking to social media to respond to the rumours, one fan said: “I would die she is literally my favourite singer” while another wrote on X: “I would SCREAM!”
Fans will have to wait and see if the rumours are true. But the news comes after the first contestant was announced earlier today. The first celebrity of the new season has been officially unveiled as Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
The 36-year-old is known for his role as Nitro on the BBC programme. The former Team GB sprinter took part in last year’s Christmas special and will return for the full season next month.
Reacting to the news, the gold medal winning sprinter 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.”
Dancers took to the comments to wish Harry well ahead of the new season. Vito Coppola, who won the 2023 edition with Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach, said: “Yesss my brother.”
Dianne Buswell, who triumphed on last year’s series alongside comedian Chris McCausland, added: “Amazing.” Amy Dowden said: “Welcome.” Johannes Radebe shared a hand raising emoji.
Harry’s exciting news is the first official announcement as part of the 2025 cast reveal. Over the weekend, the official Strictly Come Dancing social media account confirmed the line-up would start to be unveiled today.
The post said the first announcement will be on The One Show later this evening, as the post was captioned: “It’s happening! Our #Strictly class of 2025 reveals begin tomorrow, tune-in to BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm!”
However, the show has surprised fans by revealing the first contestant earlier than teased. The stars will be partnered with one of the 18 professional dancers, who will teach them the skills of the ballroom.
Although it feels like we have just said goodbye to last year’s contestants, a whole host of new celebrities will be getting glitzed and glammed ready to take to the ballroom next month.
Claudia Winkleman will return as co-host for the 2025 series alongside Tess Daly. Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse will be dusting off their numbers as part of the iconic judging panel.