Strictly Come Dancing announces five new pro dancers following mass exits

Five new dancers will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing professional line-up later this year, as the series returns in September.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, South Africa and Ukraine, Strictly’s new dancers have danced their way to international acclaim and are some of the most exciting talents in dance today.

The new pros are Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita, who join Strictly’s returning professionals 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.

Sarah James, executive producer, 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.”

Aleksandra Isaeva is a multiple Ukrainian national Latin champion who is ranked among the world’s top 21 Latin dancers. She has achieved top-10 finishes at both the European Latin Championships in Blackpool and the Dutch Open’s World Latin Dance competition, as well as becoming a finalist in the UK Dance Festival’s Latin Rising Star competition.

On joining Strictly, Aleksandra said: “I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is 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!”

Aleksandra joins Strictly with her dance partner Cristian Priori, a four-time Italian Latin champion who was ranked among the world’s top 24 Latin dancers for eight consecutive years.

Cristian said: “Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision. Dance has always been my way of expressing myself, and I’m so excited to begin this new chapter. 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 Monametsi is an undefeated South African Latin champion who first fell in love with dance after watching the South African version of Strictly Come Dancing. She has shared the stage with global icons including Diana Ross and Hans Zimmer, and represented South Africa at the WDC Amateur Open World Championships in Ireland.

Lethabo commented: “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.”

Maddie Ingoldsby is a UK National ballroom champion and eight-time amateur 10-dance world champion from Bournemouth, who was previously also crowned world rising star and under 21 world ballroom champion.

Maddie said in a statement: “Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true. My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter. 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 Karmalita rounds off the new professionals. He is a two-time national Latin champion in his native Canada, and a Canadian championship winner and finalist across multiple age groups. Mark is also an Empire Dance US Latin rising star champion, and was previously ranked 10th in the world at the under 21 Latin dance festival in Blackpool.

Mark 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.”

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Jo Wallace, senior commissioning editor, BBC entertainment added: “It’s so exciting to welcome the brilliantly talented Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark. As if the return of Strictly wasn’t shaping up to be fab-u-lous enough already, they’re five more reasons why the new series is not to be missed.”

The announcement comes months after it was announced that Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez would not be returning to the show, with each of them sharing thanks to fans for their well wishes.

This year’s series will be the first to be presented by Strictly’s brand new presenting line-up of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.

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