Overview

• Lewis Cope–Katya Jones, Dani Dyer–Nikita Kuzmin, Thomas Skinner–Amy Dowden and La Voix–Aljaž Škorjanec were among the 15 celebrity–professional pairings confirmed on the launch show.
• Jessie J appeared as the musical guest, two new pros Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon joined the line‑up, and this year features diversity milestones with Ellie Goldstein and drag performer La Voix, with Dianne Buswell competing during pregnancy.
• Early markets from Paddy Power place Lewis Cope as favourite ahead of Dani Dyer, with Ellie Goldstein, George Clarke and Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey close behind in the first odds update.
• Viewer reaction flagged frustration with an opening comedy sketch, hailed Cope’s promise in the group dance, and questioned fairness after reports of his past dance training.
• Nancy Xu, Luba Mushtuk, Neil Jones and Michelle Tsiakkas were benched without celebrity partners but will appear in group routines, as coverage also noted Thomas Skinner’s recent personal headlines and reported police inquiries linked to the show.