Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to our screens tonight.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will welcome another batch of 12 celebrities to the popular BBC contest. Stars such as Loose Women's Kaye Adams and Coronation Street's Kym Marsh will don their dancing shoes in a bid to win this year's glitterball.
The celebrities will each be paired with a professional dancer, who will show them the ropes and lead them through their journey into the world of ballroom dancing. The full list of returning dancers includes the likes of Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Cameron Lombard.
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Rounding out the cast is Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu. However, some stars of previous seasons have left fans gutted over the years when they confirmed their surprise departures from the show.
We have rounded up some of the most sensational exits below:
Oti Mabuse
The South African dancer announced in February that she wouldn't be returning for this season of Strictly. Oti had wowed fans with her performances on the show across seven years.
Oti won Strictly in 2019 and 2020, with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 37, and comedian Bill Bailey, 56. She confirmed her exit in a heartfelt post on Instagram.
The 32-year-old said: "Never easy to say goodbye. I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years.
"Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers! You are my family and I adore you all forever. Thank you"
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž confirmed in March he was quitting Strictly after nine years on the show. After winning the BBC competition in his debut year back in 2013, the professional dancer quickly became a fan favourite.
He shared his win with model and television personality Abbey Clancy. Ajiaz announced the news on his Instagram account.
He said: "On a beautiful sunny day in May 2013 one phone call changed my life forever! It went like this... We would like to offer you a position on @bbcstrictly as a professional dancer. A dream became a reality and it was the biggest opportunity for a 23 year old boy from Slovenia. It didn’t matter how many beautiful ballrooms I performed in during my competitive career, stepping onto the sacred Strictly floor was the most nervous I had ever been."
He added: "Being a part of a group of professionals that inspire and push you to be better every step of the way is humbling and I will carry that inspiration with me forever. Every year the lineup of dancers would change but one thing stayed the same, WE WERE THE BEST! And this is one thing that I know will never change on Strictly!
Brendan Cole
The New-Zealand born professional joined the BBC dancing contest in its first season in 2004 and won the first Glitterball alongside Natasha Kaplinsky. Brendan spent 15 seasons on the show - and was stunned when he found out he had been axed from the line-up in 2018.
He told Lorraine Kelly : "I'm a little bit in shock at the moment. I'm quite emotional and a bit raw about it. I am very disappointed. It's an editorial decision. I will never know the ins and outs.
"I have had 15 incredible series on the show, I'm very proud of the whole show, they're a great team."
James and Ola Jordan
James joined the show in 2006 for season four of Strictly Come Dancing. He was a mainstay on the show before he was axed in 2014.
James was told he was not part of the show's plans and was offered a job as a backing dancer. Away from the dancefloor, James is married to fellow professional, Ola.
The 39-year-old was also a dancer on the show and competed on the show for nine years from season four in 2006. However, she quit in 2015 after her relationship with bosses grew sour after her husband was axed from the line-up.
Pasha Kovalev
Pasha won Strictly in 2014 when he was partnered with Caroline Flack. He also met girlfriend, Rachel Riley on the show in 2013 and the pair have been dating ever since.
The dancer confirmed on Twitter in 2019 that he was quitting the show after eight years. He said: "After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching four finals and lifting one glitter ball, it's time for me to find a new challenge so I've decided to make last year – my final season on Strictly.
"I've had eight fantastic years, full of wonderful memories, thanks to incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.
"My biggest thanks go to all the members of the public who've supported me so much over these years – I look forward to seeing you all on the Strictly Pro-Tour this spring, and for many future adventures to come."
Kevin Clifton
Kevin joined the hit BBC show's professional line-up in 2013. He went on to win the Glitterball in 2018 alongside his now girlfriend Stacey Dooley.
He announced he had quit the show in a statement on Twitter in 2020. He said: "To me Strictly always has been and always will be the best show on tv and has been an absolute dream and honour to be a part of.
"Pre 2013 I used to watch every week. Now I look forward to returning to being a fan and cheering on my friends who keep dancing."
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