Strictly Come Dancing has unveiled two surprising new additions to its professional roster for 2025 in a special Red Nose Day sketch for Comic Relief.
The sketch, featuring hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, follows the comedic journey of Melissa (played by Rachel Parris) and Johnny (played by Russell Kane), two unlikely amateurs who get the chance to join the show’s professional dancers. This playful addition to the show is inspired by new inclusivity rules, which require a certain percentage of dancers to be amateurs.
Filmed in a documentary style, the sketch documents Melissa and Johnny's nervous audition process as they secure their spots as Strictly’s first-ever amateur professionals. Just as things seem to be going well, chaos ensues when both of their celebrity partners unexpectedly pull out of the competition, citing identical, ridiculous injuries..
But with Tess and Claudia’s quick thinking, they come up with an unexpected plan to save the day. Fans will have to tune in to see how this hilarious situation unfolds. Ahead of their big Strictly Come Dancing moment for Comic Relief, Rachel and Russell shared their excitement about being part of the event.
Rachel said: “I am over the moon to be involved with Comic Relief this year. Strictly Come Dancing and Red Nose Day are two cultural icons so Russell and I knew that we had to bring our most iconic dance moves to the table. I think you will agree that they will go down in history, one way or another. Comic Relief remains a brilliant cause and I’m honoured to be a very small, but very glittery part of it.” Russell added: “After physio, red light therapy, sports massage, heat rub, and an acupuncture mat session - I’m really looking forward to my spine taking part in Strictly for Red Nose Day.” [Typed while lying down.]
Strictly Come Dancing host Tess said: “It’s always such a joy to be involved with Comic Relief’s brilliant work and we had such a giggle filming this sketch. Rachel and Russell wanted to bring the drama to the dancefloor and watching their ‘Strictly journey’ unfold had us all in stitches.” Whilst Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Johannes Radebe said: "I had a Strictly fabulous time filming this sketch for Red Nose Day. Rachel and Russell get a 10 from me for effort darlings!"
Karen Hauer, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, shared her thoughts on Rachel and Russell’s performance during their rehearsals. She was impressed by the incredible energy they brought and how their enthusiasm and talent stood out, even to the seasoned professionals. Karen Hauer said: "Rachel and Russell brought bags of energy to the rehearsal room and I was genuinely wowed by their enthusiasm and... talent! They certainly showed us Strictly pros a thing or two.” Money raised this Red Nose Day could help put food on plates and roofs over heads, keep little ones safe and help support families affected by conflict here in the UK and around the world.
Watch the Strictly stars in action as part of Red Nose Day 2025 on Friday 21 March from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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