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BBC Denies 'Switch‑Up Week' as Strictly 2025 Dates Set and Line‑Up Finalized

Heightened scrutiny from police inquiries plus industry debate surrounds the launch.

Overview

  • The BBC rejected tabloid reports of a one‑off partner‑swap episode, stating the format change story is not true.
  • The new series launches on Saturday 20 September with the pre‑recorded pairing show, live Saturdays follow a week later, the first results air on 5 October, Blackpool is set for 22 November, and the final is scheduled for 20 December.
  • Kristian Nairn withdrew on medical grounds and was swiftly replaced by Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, completing the 2025 celebrity roster.
  • Early betting places Ellie Goldstein as favourite, with late addition Lewis Cope emerging as a leading male contender according to odds compilers.
  • Police said a man was arrested on 22 August on suspicion of rape and non‑consensual intimate image abuse in a joint inquiry with Hertfordshire Constabulary as separate reports of agents seeking higher ‘danger money’ are disputed by BBC sources.