How to watch Strictly Come Dancing in the US
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Strictly Come Dancing 2025 returns this weekend with a new live episode as the competition moves into Week 7, marking the start of the crucial middle stretch of the season. Only nine couples remain, and the leaderboard is getting tighter every week, with several frontrunners emerging after some standout performances in recent episodes.This Saturday’s show will feature a fresh lineup of dances, including crowd-pleasers like the Viennese Waltz, Samba, Paso Doble, and this week’s highly anticipated Couple’s Choice routine. With eliminations now carrying more weight and judges becoming stricter, Week 7 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive nights of the season.
If you’re tuning in from the UK, you can watch the episode live on BBC One or stream it for free on BBC iPlayer. Viewers outside the UK — including those in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the rest of Europe — won’t find Strictly on any local streaming service, as the BBC hasn’t licensed the 2025 season internationally. As a result, BBC iPlayer is the only place to watch Strictly, and accessing it abroad requires a VPN with reliable UK servers.
A Strictly Christmas Special has also been confirmed for later this year, which will once again be available exclusively on iPlayer.
Whether you're following every dance, catching up on leaderboard shake-ups, or preparing for the upcoming special, this weekend’s Strictly episode promises plenty of standout performances and Saturday-night sparkle.
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing outside UK for free
The show is officially available on BBC iPlayer, where every episode can be streamed live or on demand. If you’re outside the UK, follow these steps:
- Choose a VPN with UK servers. I recommend NordVPN, which is currently 75% off
- Install the VPN app on your device. Most VPNs support Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even some smart TVs or gaming consoles
- Connect to a UK server using the VPN app to get an IP address in the UK
- Open BBC iPlayer in your browser or the app
- Search for Strictly Come Dancing and start streaming live or watch previous episodes on demand
Best VPNs for streaming Strictly Come Dancing
- NordVPN – best VPN overall with reliable UK servers for smooth streaming.
- Surfshark – budget-friendly and allows connecting unlimited devices.
- Proton VPN – strong privacy and reliable for BBC iPlayer access.
Upcoming Episode: Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Live Show (Week 7)
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 returns tonight with its Week 7 live show, bringing a brand-new round of performances from the remaining nine couples. The competition has officially moved past the halfway point, and every routine now plays a major role in shaping the leaderboard and determining who could be heading for the dance-off.
This weekend’s episode features a diverse mix of styles — from the Paso Doble and Charleston to the Samba, Foxtrot, and a highly anticipated Couple’s Choice number. With several celebrities gaining momentum and others fighting to avoid elimination, Week 7 is expected to be one of the most competitive shows of the season.
You can watch today’s episode live on BBC One or stream it for free on BBC iPlayer. Viewers outside the UK — including in the USA, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe — will need a VPN connected to a UK server to bypass geographical restrictions and access the live stream.
Everything to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Strictly Come Dancing is back for its 23rd series, and the glitterball looks shinier than ever. The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers for a weekly ballroom and Latin dance contest. Performances are scored by the judges, voted on by the public, and, as always, full of drama, sequins, and the occasional stumble that gets Twitter buzzing.
This year’s line-up mixes returning pros with new talent, plus a fresh batch of celebrities brave enough to swap their day jobs for a paso doble.
| Number of series | 23 |
| Launch show date | September 20, 2025 |
| Finale date | December 20, 2025 |
| Network | BBC One |
| Hosts | Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman |
| Judges | Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood |
| Extras | Behind-the-scenes footage and rehearsal highlights on BBC iPlayer |
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing in Australia
Strictly has a loyal following in Australia, but BBC One isn’t available directly there. The good news? You can still keep up with the sequins and sambas. BBC iPlayer is the official home of Strictly Come Dancing, but it’s restricted to the UK. If you’re in Australia, you’ll need a VPN to connect to a UK server, sign in with a free BBC account, and stream live or on demand.
There’s no official Aussie broadcaster showing the full series, though highlights sometimes pop up on BBC Studios channels. If you don’t want to wait weeks (or risk missing the gossip), watching via iPlayer with a VPN is the way to go. And honestly, there’s something special about streaming it the same night as UK fans, then jumping onto Twitter to see the reactions in real time.
How to watch Strictly Come Dancing in Spain
Spain doesn’t carry Strictly on any local networks or streaming platforms, which can be frustrating for fans living there. The only official option is BBC iPlayer, and just like in Australia, it’s locked to UK viewers. A VPN solves that problem by letting you connect through a UK server. Once you’re in, you can register or log in to BBC iPlayer and watch Strictly just as if you were back home in London.
For expats in Spain, Strictly often becomes a little taste of home — a Saturday night ritual with subtitles swapped for sequins. It’s also worth noting that BBC iPlayer works perfectly on mobile and tablets, so you can sneak in an episode on the go if you’re not around the TV.
How to Watch Strictly Come Dancing Outside the UK
No matter if you are in the US, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere, the rule is the same: Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC show, and BBC iPlayer is its only full home. That means:
- You need a VPN that works reliably with iPlayer
- Connect to a UK server
- Register or sign in with your free BBC account
- Stream episodes live on Saturday nights or catch up the next day
Outside the UK, there are no official international streaming partners carrying the whole series. You might find short clips on YouTube or highlights on BBC’s social accounts, but for the full glitterball experience, iPlayer is the only way.
And honestly, part of the joy is syncing up with UK fans. Watching Strictly live, knowing the rest of Britain is also gasping at a wardrobe malfunction or cheering a surprise 10, makes the show feel like an event you’re part of, no matter where you are.
FAQ
Is Strictly Come Dancing available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+?
No, Strictly Come Dancing isn’t tucked away on Netflix, Prime, or Disney+. It’s a BBC show through and through, and they keep it exclusive to BBC iPlayer. If you’re in the UK, that’s good news, as it’s free once you register. Outside the UK, you’ll need a VPN to unlock iPlayer. It’s a bit of a faff, but trust me, when you see that first live group dance, it feels worth the trouble.
How often does Strictly Come Dancing air?
Strictly is the UK’s unofficial Saturday night tradition. The 2025 season kicks off on September 27th, with new shows every Saturday at 7:15 PM BST on BBC One and iPlayer. Results follow on Sundays from October 5th. For about 13 weeks, your weekends basically revolve around sequins, samba rolls, and that inevitable moment Craig pulls out a “SEV-EN!” It’s a rhythm that feels as much a part of autumn as shorter days and Strictly memes flooding your feed.
How many episodes are in a season of Strictly Come Dancing?
You’re looking at around 25 to 30 episodes in total — Saturday performances, Sunday eliminations, plus the extras like the launch night and the Christmas special. By the time the final glitter cannon goes off in December, you feel like you’ve been on the journey with the couples. Some weeks drag, some fly by, but that’s part of the Strictly magic — watching the awkward first foxtrots turn into surprisingly polished showstoppers.
Can I watch Strictly Come Dancing in the US?
Yes, but not through any American network or streamer. Strictly isn’t on Hulu, Disney+, or Prime Video in the US. The only place you’ll find it is BBC iPlayer. That means if you’re Stateside, you’ll need a VPN to connect to a UK server, set up a free BBC account, and then you’re good to go. Yes, it’s a bit of hoop-jumping, but if you’ve ever tried catching clips on YouTube the next morning, you’ll know it’s not the same. Part of the joy is watching live, seeing the leaderboard drama unfold, and yelling at the TV when the public vote doesn’t go the way you expect.
