Strictly Come Dancing has revealed five new professional dancers after a “bloodbath” at the show saw some huge names axed.
In what many have called a “mass cull” at the primetime programme, long-standing professionals, Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, were all asked to leave.
Also saying their goodbyes to the show, were long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed at the end of the last season, with Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdecombe taking their place after the pair, who are best pals, stepped down.
Now, it’s all change at Strictly with five new professionals being revealed. Hailing from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa and Ukraine, the new gang say they can’t wait to slip into their sequins.
Aleksandra Isaeva, who is a multiple Ukrainian Latin champion, said of joining the show: ‘I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember’.
Cristian Priori said: ‘Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision.’(Image: Ylenia Stavale)
Aleksandra Isaeva, who is a multiple Ukrainian Latin champion, said of joining the show: “I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour.
“The thought of learning from and sharing this experience with such extraordinary dancers, choreographers and the whole Strictly family still gives me goosebumps. I can’t wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others and be inspired along the way!”
Also excited to be a part of Strictly is Cristian Priori. The four-time Italian Latin champion said: “Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision. Dance has always been my way of expressing myself, and I’m so excited to begin this new chapter.
“I’m ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer. Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege.”
South African Latin champion, Lethabo Monametsi said: ‘This moment is bigger than me’.
Maddie Ingoldsby said of joining the iconic show: ‘Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true.’(Image: Tomasz Reindl)
Joining Cristian is undefeated South African Latin champion, Lethabo Monametsi. Revealing that it was her dream to appear on Strictly, she said: “This moment is bigger than me. I step into it with profound gratitude and deep humility, knowing it is the culmination of years of unwavering love, belief, and support from the people who dared to dream alongside me.
“Representing South Africa on the Strictly Come Dancing stage is far more than a career milestone, it is an honour beyond words, and I cannot wait to embrace every extraordinary moment of this journey.”
Also making her dream come true is UK Ballroom Champion, Maddie Ingoldsby. She said of joining the iconic show: “Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true. My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter.
“Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words.”
Canadian National Latin Champion, Mark Karmalita said: ‘Joining Strictly feels incredibly special.’
Fan favourite Gorka Marquez won’t be returning(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Joining Maddie is Canadian National Latin Champion, Mark Karmalita. Mark says: “Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I’m honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart. I can’t wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way.”
Strictly will return to our screens later this year – so far, eight stars have been announced as part of the line-up, including actress Jaime Winstone, EastEnders star Lacey Turner and former Love Island contestants Dani Dyer and Cach Mercer.
Celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton, singer Delta Goodrem, TV presenter Will Best and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey are also among those taking part.
The five new dancers join Strictly’s returning professionals: Alexis Warr, Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Dianne Buswell, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, and Vito Coppola.
Carlos won last year’s edition of Strictly with former England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney, who beat Love Island’s Amber Davies and podcaster George Clarke to the Glitterball.
