Strictly Come Dancing has introduced five new professional dancers to its lineup, the BBC announced on Saturday – a dramatic overhaul following what insiders have described as a “bloodbath” that saw several longtime fan favourites axed.
The quintet – Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita – will join the show when it returns in the autumn, replacing a string of well‑known pros who were told to leave earlier this year. Among those departing are Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas, in what many have called a “mass cull”.
“Five new professional dancers join Strictly after fan favourites axed in cast bloodbath”
The upheaval extends beyond the dance floor. Long‑standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down at the end of last season, with Johannes Radebe, Emma Willis and Josh Widdecombe taking over presenting duties.
Strictly’s new professionals come from five different countries – the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa and Ukraine – and each expressed excitement at joining the show. Multiple Ukrainian Latin champion Aleksandra 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. The thought of learning from and sharing this experience with such extraordinary dancers, choreographers and the whole Strictly family still gives me goosebumps.”
Cristian Priori, a four‑time Italian Latin champion, added: “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.”
Undefeated South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi described it as “a dream come true”, saying: “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.”
Maddie Ingoldsby, whose background was not specified in the sources, said: “Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true.”
With a near‑complete redesign of its talent roster, the BBC’s flagship dance show is set for its most dramatic reinvention in years – and the new dancers will have to prove they can win over viewers who mourned the departure of beloved regulars.