Strictly Come Dancing has added 21-year-old social media sensation Maddie Ingoldsby to its professional lineup. Ingoldsby, who turned 21 in February, is the second youngest professional dancer to join the show, making her slightly older than Chloe Hewitt, who was the youngest when she joined in 2016.
Ingoldsby, a six-time World Amateur 10 Dance Champion, has been dancing since she was six. She is also an actress and has a significant social media presence with over 43,000 followers on Instagram. Her addition comes as part of a wider revamp of the BBC show ahead of its September return, following the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and the exit of several professional dancers.
Fans have reacted positively to Ingoldsby's signing, with many praising her dancing abilities on social media platforms like Reddit. One user commented on her skill in both ballroom and Latin dance, noting she is one of the few still competing at a high level in both disciplines.
The show is also facing scrutiny over the inclusion of Love Island star Cach Mercer, 25, who was announced as a celebrity contestant. Mercer, an influencer and model, has a background in professional dancing, having showcased Afrobeat, hip-hop, and street dance on TikTok and offering dance classes. This has drawn criticism from some viewers who feel it is unfair to other contestants, a sentiment echoed in past seasons with the signings of JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri.
Tasha Ghouri, who previously faced similar backlash for her dance background, offered her support to Mercer, encouraging him to enjoy the experience.
The new lineup, which is expected to be announced soon, will feature new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe. Mercer joins other announced celebrities including Chris Appleton, Delta Goodrem, Dani Dyer, and Lacey Turner.