Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell admits BBC show 'doesn't feel like a competition'

The anticipation for this year's Strictly Come Dancing is mounting asBBC viewers speculate about the celebrity line-up.

Rumours are swirling with names such as Dani Dyer, Paul C Brunson and Stacey Solomon being bandied about, but no official confirmation has been given yet.

However, the BBC has revealed the professional dancers who will be gracing the dance floor this year, including newcomers Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.

One familiar face that fans can look forward to seeing again is last year's champion, Dianne Buswell.

In an interview with Prima Magazine's September issue, the 36-year-old shared her feelings about returning to the popular dance programme.

She expressed: "I feel just as excited as any other year, and I've put no expectations on myself. Last year taught me that it's not about perfection.

"I'll be honest, I used to think of winning, winning, winning, but the past few years, it hasn't been about that at all - maybe that comes with age and maturity.

"Chris [McCausland] and I could have left at any point and would have gone thinking we'd won anyway. It doesn't feel like a competition anymore."

The September 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale.

Dianne and her celebrity partner, Chris McCausland, made Strictly history last year as he was the first blind contestant on the show, reports Edinburgh Live.

When they lifted the Glitterball, emotions reached fever pitch as he declared: "It's astonishing. I don't know what to say. I honestly thought I would go out in the first week or two. I know no one went out in the first week but I thought I still could. We've just lasted and lasted."

Heaping praise on Dianne, the comedian continued: "She's got so much out of me and she deserves this so much. She is one of the easiest people to be funny with that I've ever met."

Could the Strictly professional claim consecutive Glitterball victories?

The Australian-born performer has welcomed newcomers Alexis and Julian to the professional roster via social media this week, describing the pair as 'amazing' in a collective photograph.

Discussing her appointment to the programme, Alexis revealed to the BBC: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour.

"I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK."

Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to BBC One in August.