Drag Race UK's La Voix makes Strictly Come Dancing history as seventh contestant

Strictly Come Dancing has announced RuPaul's Drag Race UK star La Voix as the seventh star to join the BBC One show line-up. La Voix stopped by BBC Radio 2 this morning to share the news.

La Voix - whose real name is Christopher Dennis - surprised Radio 2 viewers this morning, announcing: "It's me La Voix! An international singer and comedian doing Strictly." She added: "Strictly need to step up their game because I wear rhinestones on a daily basis."

On joining Strictly, La Voix said: "I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV.

"Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse." It comes after a Strictly Come Dancing star pulls out of show as he makes career announcement.

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La Voix is the first-ever drag queen to take part in Strictly's main series, following in the footsteps of Christmas special star Tayce.

A YouTube star, an EastEnders actress and a Love Island winner were among the first batch of contestants announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.

The popular BBC dancing show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will return to TV screens in September with a new host of famous faces competing each week to win the glitterball trophy.

Podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke was announced as the sixth celebrity contestant on Tuesday during BBC Radio 1’s Going Home drivetime show.

George, also known as George Clarkey, 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."

It came after EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal was revealed as a contestant during a segment filmed live from Albert Square on ITV show Good Morning Britain ( GMB ). She said that "being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen".

The other stars confirmed to be competing are Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Speaking on The One Show after her reveal, Dani, who is the daughter of actor Danny Dyer, said: "It’s such a fun magical show – to be asked to do it is such an honour. I just can’t wait to be able to wear (the costumes) – it’s going to be so much fun."

Former Chelsea footballer Jimmy said: "I’m a father of only girls and Strictly is a part of our home life – I like the show. Let’s have a go."

Actress Alex, who interrupted her holiday in Italy to speak to hosts Alex Scott and Roman Kemp, joked: "I was super excited but now I’m terrified."

Harry, known as Nitro on the rebooted Gladiators, previously competed in last year’s Strictly Christmas Special and described his decision to return on Monday as “so nice I just had to do it twice”.

In July, the BBC announced that two “incredible” new professional dancers, US-born Alexis Warr and Australian dancer Julian Caillon, would be joining the show.

Tess and Claudia will return as presenters with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas on the judges’ table.

Strictly will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.

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