Strictly Come Dancing 'signs former footballer' for 2025 series
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.
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