A FRESH crop of professionals will take to the Strictly Come Dancing stage in 2026, the BBC has confirmed.
The broadcaster has revealed “top talent from the international dance world” will arrive on the series, after the recent cull of fan favourite professionals.
The BBC has confirmed a fresh crop of Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers will take to the stage in 2026 Credit: BBC
It comes after a huge show cull saw Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez axed Credit: PA
The channel also confirmed which professionals had survived the axe – and told how will make her return after
In a statement announced: “This year a dynamic and world class roster of will be joined by fresh top talent from the international dance world, bringing an exciting mix of experience and showmanship to the Strictly ballroom.
“Returning to the dance floor later this year are: Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola.
“In addition to the returning Pros, there will be brand new professional dancers joining the line-up in 2026.
The broadcaster has vowed ‘top talent from the international dance world’ will star on the series Credit: BBC
It comes after Strictly’s longest-serving pro Karen Hauer was given the boot Credit: BBC
Fan favourite Johannes Radebe has been confirmed to return Credit: Alamy
The BBC has confirmed Dianne Buswell will make her comeback after giving birth to her first child Credit: PA
“The new Pros will be confirmed closer to the return of the show as the 24th spectacular series comes to screens in Autumn 2026”.
The brutal way the Strictly pro dancers were culled
We previously reported how several of the show’s professional dancers, including , , , and Michelle Tsiakkas have been axed from the main show.
It turns out the decision five pros were given marching orders because of a so-called “popularity contest.”
According to a report in the Mail , the BBC had conducted “meticulous” market research to learn which dancers were still a hit with viewers.
“It was basically a popularity contest,” an unnamed source told the outlet.
The dancers’ exit comes , including show bosses
Meanwhile, the new dancer reveal comes on the same day as Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas also
Despite hints she would be waltzing away from the competition, Shirley is set to reprise her role on the judging panel.
She rejoins co-stars Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.
Some Strictly fans were worried Shirley wouldn’t be returning on Dancing With The Stars spin-off The Next Pro.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
