Another season of Strictly Come Dancing is just around the corner, with a glitzy and fabulous premiere set to hit our screens this Saturday.
It’s no secret that this season is going to look a little different, after mainstay hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that they would not be returning at the end of last year.
In their place are presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and dancer Johannes Radebe, who has been a pro on the show for almost a decade.
Despite the new trio of hosts promising that they’re not “going to reinvent the show”, many viewers are eager to see how the show will look when the premiere hits our screens on September 19.
Alongside the new trio of hosts, there are also five new professional dancers gearing up to make their entrance onto the dance floor.
It comes after the BBC confirmed that five long-serving professionals would be making their exit. Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas will not be returning for the upcoming season.
Amongst all the new changes and speculation of what’s to come, here’s what we know about the new dancers ahead of the premiere.
Aleksandra Isaeva
The Ukrainian dancer is ranked in the world's top 21 Latin dancers, as well as reaching top 10 positions at both the European Latin championships in Blackpool and the Dutch open world Latin dance competition.
She was also a finalist at the UK Dance Festival’s Latin Rising Star competition.
On joining Strictly, she said: “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.”
Cristian Priori
Also joining the cast is Christian Priori, who also happens to be Isaeva’s dance partner.
Priori, born in Rome, is a four-time Italian Latin Champion who was ranked in the World’s top 24 Latin dancers for eight consecutive years.
His international success also saw him become a Rising Star Latin Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival and an Open World Latin Semi-Finalist.
Priori said it was an “easy decision” to join the long-running show.
“I’m ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer,” he continued. “Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege.”
Lethabo Monametsi
Lethabo Monametsi fell in love with dance whilst watching the South African version on the show, and has since gone on to win TV dance competition Dance Yo Dumo as a member of the collective Urban Wave.
She has also performed with the likes of singer Diana Ross and composer Hans Zimmer, as well as featuring on The Masked Singer South Africa.
“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,” said Lethabo, whose talents appear to know no bounds as she also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Law Major) degree.
“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.”
Maddie Ingoldsby
From Bournemouth comes Maddie Ingoldsby, who is a UK National Ballroom champion.
She began her career playing Annie in the West End, and has since gone on to become an eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion.
The 21-year-old is no stranger to Strictly, having performed It Takes Two, before going on to perform in a group number on the main show’s Christmas special.
Ingoldsby, who has also featured in Last Christmas starring Emilia Clarke and Emma Thompson, said joining the cast of Strictly is a “dream come true”.
“My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter,” she said. “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.”
Mark Karmalita
Rounding out the quintet of fresh faces in Mark Karmalita, who is a two-time national Latin champion in his native Canada.
He is also a Canadian championship winner and finalist across multiple age groups. He was also previously ranked 10th in the World at the Under 21 Latin Dance Festival in Blackpool.
“Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I’m honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart,” Karmalita said.
“I can’t wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way.”
The five new dancers will 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.
Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, said: "Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie, and Mark are all outstanding world-class dancers and we can't wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September."
