STRICTLY’S older pro dancers have been left concerned they will not be given celebrity partners after the show welcomed five new cast members.

The fresh faces were announced after a huge cull of long-standing professionals earlier this year.

Katya Jones in a two-tone blue and pink dance outfit with fringe details.Long-standing Strictly pro Katya Jones, 37, remains in the cast Credit: BBC Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, and Mark Karmalita, new professional dancers for Strictly Come Dancing.New dancers, from left: Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi and Mark Karmalita Credit: PA

And there have been some worried conversations behind the scenes after rehearsals for the upcoming BBC One series kicked off in London this month.

A source said: “It’s tense at rehearsals and some of the older cast members of the pro dance troupe are worried that they won’t get their opportunity to shine this year.

“It’s more competitive and cut-throat than ever.

“Like always, there are more dancers than celebrities again, so not everyone will get a partner. Plus, viewers are keen to get to know the new dancers, especially as change is the theme of the new-look show this year.”

Last year, both new dancers Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon were granted celebrity partners by Strictly bosses.

The last month unveiled new dancers Aleksandra Isaeva, 22, Cristian Priori, 34, Lethabo Monametsi, 23, Maddie Ingoldsby, 21, and Mark Karmalita, 22, for the show.

They will replace Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30.

Some long-standing members such as remain in the Strictly cast.

A Strictly source added: “The celebrity pairings will be made up of old and new pro dancers.”