Strictly Come Dancing has announced the five new professional dancers joining the programme’s upcoming series, the latest new arrivals amid a programme-wide shakeup.
The new faces in question are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita, who will replace Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, whose departures from the BBC dancing show were announced earlier this year.
Ukrainian dancer Aleksandra, who is ranked in the world’s top 21 Latin dancers, said joining Strictly was a “true honour.”
“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,” she said ahead of joining the beloved BBC programme.
Meanwhile, Four-time Italian Latin dancing champion Cristian said it was an “easy decision” to join the show and added he was “so excited to begin this new chapter.”
The Rome-born dancer said: “I’m ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer.
“Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege.”
Lethabo is no stranger to pressure on the dance floor, having performed with the likes of singer Diana Ross and composer Hans Zimmer, and appeared on the TV dance competition Dance Yo Dumo as a member of Urban Wave, as well as performing as a dancer on The Masked Singer South Africa.
She said of her exciting new venture: “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.
“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.”
British dancer Maddie is a UK National Ballroom Champion, and described joining Strictly as a “dream come true.”
“My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter.
Maddie continued: “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, who is a two-time National Latin Champion in his native Canada, said: “Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I’m honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart.
“I can’t wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way.”
Who are the Strictly Come Dancing returning professionals?
The five new dancers join Strictly’s returning professionals Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec, 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.”
Carlos won last year’s edition of Strictly with former England Lionesses footballer Karen Carney.
Which celebrity contestants have been announced for Strictly 2026?
Strictly will return later this year, with actress Jaime Winstone, EastEnders star Lacey Turner, former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer, Australian singer Delta Goodrem, celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton, reality TV star Cach Mercer, TV presenter Will Best and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey among the celebrities taking part.
© BBCThe new series will be hosted by Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe, as they take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they were leaving the show late last year.
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