STRICTLY Come Dancing have revealed five fresh faces that’ll be heading into the ballroom as pro dancers in the 2026 series.
Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian hunk Cristian Priori and South African latin champion Lethabo Monametsi are joining the show alongside Canadian dancer Mark Karmalita and UK National Ballroom Champion Maddie Ingoldsby.
Confirming the new Strictly stars in a statement, the BBC said: “Hailing from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa and Ukraine, Strictly’s new fab five have all danced their way to international acclaim and are some of the most exciting talents in dance today.”
Just this week, The Sun exclusively revealed Brit Maddie’s signing, who becomes the second youngest pro in the show’s history.
She turned 21 in February, making her just a few months older than former Strictly professional dancer Chloe Hewitt — still the show’s youngest pro dancer — when she joined back in 2016.
“Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true,” she said in the announcement today. “My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter.
“Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words.”
Maddie and the four other newbies will join returning pro dancers including Dianne Buswell, 36, Amy Dowden, 35, and last year’s winner Carlos Gu, 33, who scooped the coveted Gliterball Trophy with footballer Karen Carney.
Australian hunk Julian Caillon, 30, will be coming back for the 24th series as will Katya Jones, 36, Jowita Przystal, 31, Kai Widdrington, 30, Aljaž Škorjanec, 36, Lauren Oakley, 35, Nancy Xu, 34, Neil Jones, 43, Nikita Kuzmin, 28, Alexis Warr, 25, and Vito Coppola, 33.
It comes after five fan-favourite Strictly pro dancers were axed in March, in what is now being hailed as the “Strictly bloodbath”.
Those who WON’T be back on the dancefloor this year are Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Karen Hauer, 43, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35.
An industry source told us at the time: “Viewers will be shocked that this bloodbath has continued but bosses want a completely new look and fresh start for the show.”
The Strictly cull caused heartbreak amongst those who have lost their jobs, including Michelle who was very vocal about dancing her last dance on the BBC One show.
New joinier Aleksandra is ranked in the world’s top 21 Latin dancers and has reached top 10 positions at both the European Latin Championships in Blackpool and the Dutch Open’s World Latin Dance Competition, as well as becoming a finalist at the UK Dance Festival’s Latin Rising Star competition.
She said of joining Strictly: “I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour. I can’t wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others and be inspired along the way!”
Meanwhile four-time Italian Latin Champion Cristian, who hails from Rome, said of his signing: “I’m ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer.
“Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege.”
Lethabo Monametsi is an undefeated South African Latin Champion who first fell in love with dance after watching the South African version of Strictly Come Dancing.
“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,” she said.
“Representing South Africa on the Strictly Come Dancing stage is far more than a career milestone, it is an honour beyond words, and I cannot wait to embrace every extraordinary moment of this journey.”
Last but not least, Mark Karmalita a two-time National Latin Champion in his native Canada added that he’s lloking forward to bringing his “own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way.”
