Strictly Come Dancing announces Ross King, Karen Carney and Kristian Nairn as final 2025 contestants

The BBC dancing show has announced its final three contestants for its new series

Scottish TV presenter Ross King, former England footballer Karen Carney and Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn have been announced as the latest contestants to join the star-studded line-up of Strictly Come Dancing this year.

King announced he was joining the show in a live broadcast of Lorraine on Friday (15 August). The presenter said he would be announcing the next contestant “live from Hollywood”, which was himself.

The 63-year-old is known for presenting ITV breakfast programmes, including Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, as their Los Angeles correspondent.

He is a four-time News Emmy winner and has hosted over 30 TV series since he first debuted on radio broadcasts aged 15 and then on television at 17. He was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to broadcasting, the arts and charity.

On joining the popular dancing programme, he said: “From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom - it’s a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show.

“I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! Let’s give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: “You’ll never know till you give it a go!”

King reported live from LA to announce the news on ‘Lorraine’ (BBC)

Former England footballer Karen Carney OBE was the 14th person to be revealed. Carney, 38, is the lead female sports presenter for both men’s and women’s football across TNT and ITV. She has played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and the Lionesses.

She is England’s third most-capped player of all time, with 144 caps. She has competed at four World Cups, four European Championships and the London Olympics before retiring in 2019.

“It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line up,” she said. “I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part. I’m so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!"

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Carney was awarded an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in 2024 for services to association football.

Former footballer Karen Carney has a successful career in sports presenting (BBC)

The final act to be announced was of Game of Thrones actor and DJ Kristian Nairn.

“This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it!” the 49-year-old said. “It’s a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!”

Nairn will be familiar to many as Hodor from ‘Game of Thrones’ (BBC)

BBC’s flagship dancing contest is returning for its 23rd season in September, with Love Island winner Dani Dyer, ER actor Alex Kingston, and football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink currently leading this year’s contestants.

Also competing are EastEnders star Balvinder Sopa, British YouTuber George Clarke, and Gladiators athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattinson, former Apprentice contestant Thomas Skinner and British Vogue model Ellie Goldstein will also join.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One from September through to December.