Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC's flagship dance competition, has undergone its biggest shake-up in years, with five long-standing professional dancers axed and five new faces joining the lineup for the 2026 series. The changes, described as a "mass cull" and "bloodbath" by the press, follow the departure of long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down at the end of the last season.
The quintet of new professionals was officially unveiled in a social media post on 25 July 2026. They are: Aleksandra Isaeva, a multiple Ukrainian Latin champion; Cristian Priori, a four-time Italian Latin champion; Lethabo Monametsi, an undefeated South African Latin champion; Maddie Ingoldsby, from the UK; and Mark Karmalita, from Canada. All five expressed excitement in statements provided by the BBC. Isaeva said: "I've been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour." Priori called it "an easy decision" and said he was ready to "give his all."
“Strictly's 2026 shake-up: five new pros replace axed favourites, plus new presenters, ahead of autumn series.”
The axed professionals — Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas — were all asked to leave. Their departures, along with the host changes, mark a dramatic shift for the programme, which has been a Saturday night staple for over two decades. The new presenting team consists of Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdecombe.
Why does this matter for UK viewers? Strictly is a cultural institution, regularly pulling in millions of viewers and generating endless tabloid headlines. The pro dancers are often as famous as the celebrities they partner — their chemistry, choreography and personalities are a huge part of the show's appeal. Replacing five established favourites at once risks upsetting loyal fans, but also injects fresh energy. The new presenters, too, will change the tone of the live shows. For anyone who follows the series, this is the biggest reset in its history.
Q: Why were so many Strictly professional dancers replaced? BBC bosses conducted a major shake-up, asking five long-standing pros to leave. The move has been called a "bloodbath" and "mass cull" in the media, though the BBC has not publicly given specific reasons for each departure.
Q: Who are the new Strictly professional dancers for 2026? The five newcomers are Aleksandra Isaeva (Ukraine, multiple Latin champion), Cristian Priori (Italy, four-time Latin champion), Lethabo Monametsi (South Africa, undefeated Latin champion), Maddie Ingoldsby (UK), and Mark Karmalita (Canada).
Q: Who are the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing? Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdecombe have replaced long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left after the previous series.
What happens next? The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is expected to air in autumn 2026, with the new professionals partnering celebrities. Further casting announcements, including the celebrity contestants, are likely in the coming months.