Strictly announces which professional stars are returning after major exits

• Strictly Come Dancing has announced its professional dancer line-up for the upcoming 2026 series, confirming a mix of returning favourites and the introduction of new faces.
• This announcement follows the earlier departure of five professional dancers, including Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, and Michelle Tsiakkas, who were axed from the show.
• Long-standing professionals such as Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Johannes Radebe, and Aljaž Škorjanec are confirmed to return for the new series.
• Other returning dancers include Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Lauren Oakley, Vito Coppola, reigning champion Carlos Gu, and last year's newcomers Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr.
• The BBC also confirmed that new professional dancers will be joining the cast, with their identities to be revealed closer to the show's return in Autumn 2026, alongside judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.

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Strictly Come Dancing confirms new pro line-up amid show shake-up