Strictly Come Dancing 'signs former footballer' for 2025 series

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
As Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 season is just around the corner, rumours swirl about more celebrities joining the line-up - with a Premier League legend the most recent to be linked with the much-loved BBC programme.
The latest speculation suggests that ex-Leeds United ace Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink might trade football boots for dancing shoes as a contestant on the celebrated dance show.
At 53 years of age, the Dutch former footballer is poised to join the roster of sports stars who have hit the Strictly dance floor, hoping to clinch the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Previous footballers who have graced the dance floor include Robbie Savage, Alex Scott, and Tony Adams.
(Image: Getty Images)
Hasselbaink took up a coaching role within the England national football team setup in 2023 but stepped back in August following Gareth Southgate's resignation. Now seemingly with time to spare, the rumour mill suggests that he could be slipping into something sparkly for this year's Strictly.
A source quoted by The Sun said: "Jimmy has a huge fanbase from his years playing in the Premier League and is a very likeable character. Show producers are always keen to book a retired footballer as it gets footie fans tuning into the series and becoming unlikely fans of the show. Jimmy has a competitive edge and is going to get his head in the game."
Requests for response from Jimmy's representatives and the BBC were reportedly made by The Mirror.
Other celebrities rumoured to be stepping out on this year's dance floor include Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah, Gladiators' Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – famed as Nitro – and former Big Brother housemate Yinrun Huang.
Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are all confirmed to make a comeback for the 2025 season - marking its 23rd run. Yet, after tumultuous times, show insiders are reportedly anxious over the possibility of new controversies.
Strictly has faced challenges with its reputation recently, dealing with allegations of professional dancers being physically aggressive towards their celebrity partners. Celebrity contestants themselves have faced accusations of improper conduct, reports the Mirror.
(Image: BBC)
Reports earlier this year indicated that BBC executives are haunted by a "terrible, terrible fear" of additional scandals tarnishing the series further, prompting measures to improve the show's image, potentially influencing future casting decisions.
To ensure a scandal-free 2025 series, the BBC is rumoured to be considering options that are seen as safe bets. Blue Peter presenters Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan are among those in the running, alongside Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla.
Names like Georgia Toffolo and Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts, are said to be in discussions for participation. Also being eyed is Dani Dyer, known for her stint on Love Island and recent nuptials, and ex-Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan is believed to be a top pick for show executives.
"There is a terrible, terrible fear among those high up that these awful things are going to keep happening and the show will be brought into disrepute again and again," one well-placed BBC insider has told MailOnline. "With that in mind, they are taking no chances."
(Image: BBC)
The insider continued: "There will be stringent checks, and asking around, and digging into potential stars' backgrounds to make sure that they're not choosing anyone who might damage the show. For years, there was the whole Strictly "curse" where the contestants and professionals kept having affairs. But that stopped.
"Changes were made to the partnerships and it worked. There have been other issues in the past couple of years, though. What's been even more embarrassing for the BBC is that Wynne and Jamie have been from their own stable of stars. Going forward, those at the top want a wholesome image to shine through. No more scandal – just joy."
The report came after 2024 contestant Jamie Borthwick, who is known for playing Jay Brown in the BBC soap EastEnders, was forced to issue a grovelling apology after footage was reportedly uncovered showing him making derogatory comments about the people of Blackpool.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mirror

39 minutes ago

• Daily Mirror

The Traitors' Leanne Quigley admits she can't marry fiancée yet for sad reason

EXCLUSIVE: Traitors star Leanne Quigley would tie the knot with fiancée Sophie right now, but after her partner's heartbreaking cancer battle, she wants to walk down the aisle with her own hair grown back The Traitors winner Leanne Quigley has revealed she would marry fiancée Sophie Jones "today" if she could - but they will wait until Sophie's hair totally grows back, following her gruelling cancer battle. Leanne, 28, a former soldier from Holywell, North Wales, who appeared as a Faithful in the third season of the show, says, 'I would get married today if I could. But Soph has been going through her hair growth journey. As soon as she feels comfortable and ready, then we will get married. Ideally, it will be the end of next year or maybe the start of 2027.' ‌ Speaking exclusively to the Mirror at the British LGBT Awards 2025 at The Brewery, London, Leanne adds: "Sophie's doing great. This is the first thing she has been able to come to with me without having to wear a wig. It feels very special.' ‌ Of their plans to tie the knot following their 2021 engagement, she says: 'I would have to be close to home. We took the twins abroad on holiday and it's not the most stress-free of experiences - so it will be as close to home as possible!' Sophie, also a former army recruit, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer last year, just weeks after Leanne finished filming on the BBC show, after finding a lump in her breast. Thankfully, after a journey which Leanne previously told the Mirror was 'utterly terrifying' as initially they 'didn't know if she'd live' - Sophie was given the all-clear, earlier this year. Leanne is happy and looking to the future, but admits, it's been 'the worst time of their lives'. 'We went from a huge high to the lowest blow. She was going through treatment then The Traitors came out, so it was quite turbulent. But we are very lucky.' Now the TV star, who shares twin sons, Harley and Hudson, 2, with her partner, who gave birth to their boys, would also like to start IVF soon and expand their family ‌ 'We'll probably try next year. There's no guarantee it will work, so I think the sooner the better. But I would like the kids all to be close in age, I would definitely want to drink at the wedding though, so I think we'd have to wait.' Leanne has also toyed lately with the idea of rejoining the army part-time, which she misses a lot, but says taking on risks in dangerous warzones would be a different ballgame, now she's a mother. ‌ She says, 'I was chatting to my mum the other day and I asked her if I should join the Reserves again, which is basically going back part time. It is a big thing, leaving. I was there for 12 years - we were like a big family. 'It is different now, though. Before, I was fearless. I wasn't scared of anything. Now I am a mother, I am scared of everything. Everything I do, I think about them.' The turbulent and fast-changing situation in the Middle East makes it an even more terrifying prospect, admitted the bubbly blonde. 'I'm not going to lie, it is pretty scary. That's why there's an element of me wanting to join back up so I know what's going on and can help in some way. But now I am a mum. I am scared of everything and just want to protect them. She adds, 'In one way I want to go back more because I'm worried the shit is going to hit the fan and I want to do what I can. And in another way, it makes me want to go back less because I need to be here for my family.'

Wales Online

an hour ago

• Wales Online

Carlos Alcaraz's massive net worth and true feelings on Emma Raducanu as she makes visit

Carlos Alcaraz's massive net worth and true feelings on Emma Raducanu as she makes visit Carlos Alcaraz is in the final at Queen's on Sunday and faces off against Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka Carlos Alcaraz (Image: 2025 CameraSport ) Carlos Alcaraz is in the final at Queen's on Sunday with the Spaniard aiming to head into Wimbledon with some more silverware in his trophy cabinet. The tennis ace faces Czech opponent Jiri Lehecka in West Kensington today with a prize pot of £350,773 up for grabs for the winner. ‌ Alcaraz is fresh from beating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling French Open final at Roland Garros where he fought back from an almost impossible position to beat the Italian in the latest instalment of their rivalry. ‌ Novak Djokovic views both players as beneficial to the sport, saying: "They're definitely great for tennis, both of them. I think their rivalry is something that our sport needs, no doubt. "The way they are playing and approaching tennis life, I think they are going to have very successful careers in the next years." Alcaraz, with his status as a two-time Wimbledon champion and a reported net worth of £35.6million, had high praise for his opponent Sinner, saying: "He's the best tennis player right now. I mean, he's destroying every opponent." Article continues below Emma Raducanu is seen in attendance during the Men's Singles semi-final match between Carlos Alcaraz and Roberto Bautista Agut (Image: Luke Walker, Getty Images for LTA ) Apart from his achievements on the court, Alcaraz's private life has garnered public interest, especially after securing his second Wimbledon title last year. His relationships have notably come into focus amid his rising profile in the world of tennis. After clinching his latest Wimbledon title, the tennis world buzzed with curiosity about Alcaraz's rapport with British tennis star Emma Raducanu, who was seen supporting him from Centre Court. ‌ She also came to see him play in the last four at Queen's on Saturday, being pictured on the Queen's balcony. After securing his 17th win in succession, Alcaraz beamed: "I saw on social media she came up to watch my match. I'm just glad. "I mean, I was focused on the match. I didn't see her afterwards. I am just glad that she came to support me, to watch my match. Yeah, I think it was great having her in the stands." ‌ Alcaraz expressed his enthusiasm to support her at a match before the US Open, saying: "It depends on the schedule, obviously. I have practices. I have matches. "Yeah, I would love to, yeah, if I have time, if I'm at the club or I don't have anything else to do, yeah, I would love to come and watch her. I'm watching her matches from the TV every time that I can. So watching her for real could be fun." Alcaraz and Raducanu will be paired with each other at the US Open later this year. ‌ Alcaraz said of their partnership: "I'm super excited about it. I think it's going to be great. It was an amazing idea for the tournament. I was thinking that I couldn't play better if it wasn't with Emma. "I just asked Emma if she wants to play doubles with me. Yeah, I made that special request. She took a while to respond. Not that much, not that much! But obviously she had to ask, and she had to think a little bit. But it wasn't a minute! "I have known Emma for a really long time. I have a really good relationship with her. We are gonna enjoy it for sure. We will try to win. But obviously it's going to be really, really fun." ‌ Alcaraz previously dated within the tennis circle, and was linked with fellow Spanish player Maria Gonzalez Gimenez of Murcia Tennis Club, known for participating in Spanish Masters and ATP Challenger tournaments. The details of their time together are somewhat unclear, but Maria, who juggles a law degree at the University of Murcia with her tennis, is thought to have been in a long-term relationship with Alcaraz before their split. A picture capturing an intimate moment between them was even shared on his Instagram story, as highlighted by Tennis Tonic. However, the Spanish prodigy has confirmed he is currently single. ‌ Addressing questions about his personal life, he affirmed: "No, I am single. I am looking for someone." In discussing the end of their relationship, he mentioned: "It can be difficult as a tennis player to meet the right person because you are travelling all the time." Alcaraz boasts a portfolio of impressive endorsements, including a decade-long deal with Nike purportedly valued at £12million to £15.8million annually. Article continues below His partnerships extend to Babolat, BMW Group, LVMH and Rolex, and he also represents Saudi Arabia's tennis federation as an ambassador.

ITV News

an hour ago

• ITV News

Kneecap Glastonbury slot ‘not appropriate', says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he does not think Kneecap's planned Glastonbury Festival performance is 'appropriate'. He made the comments after Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh appeared in court on Wednesday, after being charged for allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a gig in November last year. In an interview with The Sun, Sir Keir was asked if he thought the trio should perform at Glastonbury, to which he replied: 'No, I don't, and I think we need to come down really clearly on this. 'This is about the threats that shouldn't be made, I won't say too much because there's a court case on, but I don't think that's appropriate.' It comes after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she thought the BBC 'should not be showing' Kneecap's performance at the festival next week. Mrs Badenoch said in the X post, which was accompanied by an article from The Times that claimed the BBC had not banned the group: 'The BBC should not be showing Kneecap propaganda. 'One Kneecap band member is currently on bail, charged under the Terrorism Act. 'As a publicly funded platform, the BBC should not be rewarding extremism.' The Tory Leader of the Opposition has previously called for the group to be banned from Glastonbury, and last year Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK Government in Belfast High Court after she tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award when she was a minister. Kneecap took aim at Mrs Badenoch in their latest single, The Recap, released just before their headline set at London's Wide Awake festival in May, with the song mocking the politician's attempts to block their arts funding and the Conservative Party's election loss. On Wednesday, O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at Westminster Magistrates' Court in 'Free Mo Chara' T-shirts. During the proceedings, a prosecutor told the court the 27-year-old is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a 'wholly different thing'. O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Following the hearing, the rapper said: 'For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. 'If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September. 'But most importantly: free, free Palestine.' The charge came following a counter-terrorism police investigation after the historical gig footage came to light, which also allegedly shows the group calling for the deaths of MPs. In April, Kneecap apologised to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'. In an initial post in response to the charge, Kneecap said: '14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us. 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is a carnival of distraction. 'We are not the story, genocide is, as they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective? 'To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out. 'Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. 'The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it.' Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English and their merchandise. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag. A BBC spokesperson said: 'As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers.