Former priest Alberto Ravagnani joins Ballando con le Stelle as tenth contestant

Social media announcement from Thailand

On 28 August 2026, former Catholic priest Alberto Ravagnani announced on Instagram that he will compete in the upcoming edition of Ballando con le Stelle on Rai 1. Ravagnani shared a video recorded from a beach in Thailand, where he has been traveling and training in combat sports in Chiang Mai. In the recording, Ravagnani wore a gold crucifix and explained that fighting and dancing represent complementary ways to communicate physically. He stated that after years of focusing on spoken words, he intends to reclaim his physical expression on television.

He explained his motivation directly in the video message:

Fighting and dancing. They are the two things I have always regretted not knowing how to do. They seem opposite, but in reality they are the same thing, two ways to make the body speak. I have always said many, many words. Now is the time when I want to reclaim my body and give it a voice.

Priesthood background and recent transition

Born in 1993 in Brugherio, in the Brianza area, Ravagnani was ordained as a priest in 2018 within the Archdiocese of Milan. His first assignment was as parish vicar at the church of San Michele Arcangelo in Busto Arsizio, where he managed the San Filippo Neri youth oratory and taught religion at the liceo Arturo Tosi. During the Covid-19 lockdown, isolated from students and parish youth, he began producing videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to discuss faith, relationships, and everyday topics. His content established him as one of Italy's most prominent religious figures on social media.

Ravagnani stepped down from the priesthood in February 2026, nearly seven months prior to the casting announcement. In recent weeks, his travels across Thailand and Indonesia generated online discussions following photos of him in swimwear. Ravagnani addressed the commentary by explaining that his transition allowed him to live without earlier constraints tied to personal insecurity, social moralism, and his former status as a seminarian and priest.

Cast lineup for the autumn edition

The competition, hosted by Milly Carlucci, is scheduled to premiere on Rai 1 on Saturday, 3 October 2026. Ravagnani is the tenth confirmed contestant on the roster. The official announcements began with former footballer Alessandro Matri, followed by media personality Aurora Ramazzotti, who married Goffredo Cerza in Sicily in July. Songwriter Eugenio Finardi, carrying more than fifty years of musical career, joined third, followed by Noemi Bocchi, television correspondent Jimmy Ghione, actor Riccardo Rossi, and actress Anna Safroncik.

Journalist Manuela Moreno joined the roster after accepting Carlucci's invitation live on the broadcast La Vita in Diretta. Actress Monica Guerritore was confirmed as the ninth participant on 27 August, following her completion of chemotherapy treatments on 29 July. Ravagnani's addition brings the official roster to ten participants.

Criticism of public broadcaster's editorial choice

The casting decision prompted public criticism from cultural figures. Dj Aniceto, a social campaigner and former advisor to the government drug policy department at Palazzo Chigi, questioned the editorial responsibility of state broadcaster Rai. He argued that casting a former priest leverages religious identity to generate television buzz ahead of the premiere, which he described as incompatible with public service broadcasting funded by license fees.

Dj Aniceto outlined his concerns regarding television priorities:

I find the choice to bring Alberto Ravagnani, a former priest, to 'Ballando con le stelle' scandalous. I have the impression that Rai is using such a distinctive figure primarily to create hype and make people talk about the program before it even begins. But public service should have a completely different sense of responsibility.

Aniceto emphasized that while he respects Ravagnani's personal choices, the spiritual role of a priest holds profound significance for Christians and should not be transformed into television spectacle.