Strictly’s Dani Dyer and Ellie Goldstein lead the celebrities arriving at rehearsals for the first time since full line-up was announced as Thomas Skinner hits back at ‘woke’ critics

The cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 were seen for the first time since the full line-up was announced as they headed for rehearsals on Friday.

The group, led by the likes of Love Island alum Dani Dyer and trailblazing Down syndrome model Ellie Goldstein, appeared in great spirits as they rocked up at a studio for their first full day of training.

Amongst the celebrities gearing up for practice was former The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, who earlier in the day had hit back at ‘woke‘ critics complaining of his signing to the show. 

Critics had demanded the BBC revoke his invite to join Strictly Come Dancing 2025 because he met JD Vance, with some Strictly fans bombarding the Beeb with complaints and vowing to boycott the show.

Taking to X on Friday, Thomas, 34, addressed the backlash, penning: ‘Some call me “controversial,” but I think it’s just a dig at normal, hard-working people if I’m honest. But we don’t let that stop us. We keep going, we look out for each other, and we use it to drive us forward.’

In his message, he shared his excitement as heading filming Strictly for the first time, noting he was ‘proud as anything’, before  thanking his fans for their support.

Thomas also revealed he has to ‘keep the wheels’ and work as he’s got three kids and a wife to support, before cheerfully signing off and inviting anyone local to have ‘a pint’ with him later.

The businessman flashed a dazzling smile as she climbed out of his car and joined his fellow stars for the start of their Strictly journey.

While Love Island’s Dani gave a shy smile and influencer Ellie was determined to get inside, Vicky Pattison was seen dragging along her suitcase as she headed inside.

The beaming Geordie Shore star looked keen to crack on with dancing, as did Ross King, who couldn’t keep the smile off his face. 

The rest of the cast were also in a good mood, with the likes of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Balvinder Sopal, George Clark, Chris Robshaw and Karen Carney seen cheerfully arriving.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was spotted saying goodbye to a loved one as he joined the rest of the stars including Kristian Nairn, Alex Kingston, La Voix and Stefan Dennis.

Meanwhile, the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers were on fine form as they too arrived, led by Dianne Buswell. 

The flame-haired beauty was certainly in great spirits as she turned up alongside the likes of Nancy Xu and brand new pros Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. 

Meanwhile, Nadiya Bychkova was seen for the first time since her horror fall earlier this week.

The Ukrainian dancer, 35, was reportedly taken to hospital on Tuesday after falling and landing on her back during rehearsals.

The star was training in north London when she was left in agony after injuring her back, with crew forced to phone an ambulance.

However, after updating her fans on her condition, the blonde bombshell was back to her best as she joined her fellow pros for rehearsals. 

The final three celebrity contestants were confirmed on Friday morning, with showbiz correspondent Ross , former Lioness Karen and Game Of Thrones star Kristian finishing off the reveals. 

Lorraine star Ross, 63, revealed himself as a contestant during Friday morning’s episode of the ITV show as he explained that his mother had inspired him to sign up. 

Minutes later, former Arsenal player Karen, 38, was unveiled on BBC Radio 2. 

In a surprise twist, Irish actor Kristian, 49, then revealed on air that he was the final celebrity taking part, having managed to stop the news leaking in advance.

The announcement follows on from Stefan, Vicky and Thomas being unveiled on Thursday. 

Stefan, 66, 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.

His casting on Strictly was revealed live on ITV’s This Morning, just hours after his new co-star Vicky, 37, was announced earlier on the programme. 

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. 

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

News of his new Strictly gig comes a day after trailblazing model and influencer Ellie , Drag Race star La Voix and rugby player Chris 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.

Model Elie 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!’ 

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

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. 

While hours before, EastEnders star Balvinder 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. 

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

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

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to screens this September.