Strictly Come Dancing has shaken things up a bit for its new 2026 series with fans set to see a handful of new professional dancers.
A few pros left last year, meaning there was space for more talent to join the BBC show, however, most of its much-loved cast will be returning.
Strictly will be back on September 19 at 7.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer, so there’s not long to wait for new episodes.
Who are the new Strictly professional dancers for 2026?
In July, the BBC announced five new professional dancers would be joining the show.
These are:
- Maddie Ingoldsby from Bournemouth - UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion
- Aleksandra Isaeva - multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion currently living in Italy
- Cristian Priori (Aleksandra’s dance partner) - four-time Italian Latin Champion
- Lethabo Monametsi - undefeated South African Latin Champion
- Mark Karmalita from Canada - two-time National Latin Champion
Maddie played Annie in the West End as a child and has appeared on Strictly before, making her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two – before going on to perform in a pros’ group number on the main show’s Christmas special.
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.”
Cristian said: “Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege.”
For all things Strictly, read our article here - Latest Strictly Come Dancing updates including start date, new hosts, lineup and more
The new dancers join Strictly’s 14 returning professionals for the upcoming series.
The returning dancers are:
- 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
- Vito Coppola
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing judges
Which Strictly professionals left the series?
Four Strictly stars have left ahead of the new series: Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez.
Meanwhile, Strictly professional Johannes Radebe is moving from a dancing to a presenting role, alongside new hosts TV and radio presenter Emma Willis and comedian Josh Widdicombe.
All four Strictly judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas (Head Judge), will be returning.
Who is your favourite Strictly pro? Let us know in the comments below.
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