Strictly Come Dancing is set to feature five new professional dancers when it returns to screens in September. The announcement follows a significant reshuffling of the show's professional lineup earlier this year.
Madeleine Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, and Mark Karmalita have been unveiled as the new additions to the Strictly dance floor. These dancers will join a roster of returning professionals including 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.
This influx of new talent comes as part of a broader revamp for the series, which has also seen changes in its presenting team. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe have taken over hosting duties from longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Among the new professionals, Aleksandra Isaeva, who hails from Ukraine and grew up in Italy, is a top-ranked Latin dancer with multiple international competition placements. She expressed her honor at joining the "Strictly family" and her eagerness to share the experience with her fellow dancers and choreographers.
Cristian Priori, Isaeva's dance partner, is a former Junior Italian 10-Dance Champion and a finalist in major international competitions. He described joining Strictly as an easy decision, highlighting dance as his primary form of self-expression.
Lethabo Monametsi, an undefeated South African Latin Champion, found her passion for dance after watching the South African version of the show. She has also appeared on South African television competitions and performances.
Maddie Ingoldsby brings a wealth of accolades, including UK National Ballroom Champion and multiple Amateur 10-Dance World Championship titles. She previously appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two and performed in a professional group number on the main show.
Mark Karmalita, a two-time National Latin Champion from Canada, expressed his honor at joining a show with a rich history and looks forward to bringing his style to the ballroom.
Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, and Jo Wallace, Senior Commissioning Editor at BBC Entertainment, both welcomed the new dancers, emphasizing their world-class talent and anticipation for their performances. The new season's celebrity contestants are also beginning to be revealed, with Will Best, Jaime Winstone, and Delta Goodrem among those announced so far.
The cast changes follow the departure of several professional dancers, including Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Marquez. Reports suggest that a focus on social media presence, particularly on platforms like TikTok, may have influenced some casting decisions, as the show aims to attract a younger audience. For example, Dianne Buswell, with a significant following, remains, while others with smaller online followings were let go.
Further changes are also underway for the spin-off show, Strictly Come Dancing's It Takes Two, with Fleur East and Janette Manrara reportedly exiting. Insiders suggest a major revamp is planned for the BBC Two program as the series seeks a fresh direction. This comes amid broader discussions about the show's evolution and a desire to move past recent controversies, which have included allegations of misconduct against some professional dancers. However, there is no indication that the departing professionals are linked to any wrongdoing.