The BBC has confirmed that Strictly Come Dancing will welcome five new professional dancers when the 2026 series launches in September.
The entertainment programme, returning to BBC One and iPlayer on 19 September at 7:25pm, will see the new additions join the existing lineup following several departures last year.
The fresh faces joining the ballroom competition were officially unveiled by the broadcaster in July.
Among them is Maddie Ingoldsby, a Bournemouth native who has accumulated titles including UK National Ballroom Champion alongside eight Amateur 10-Dance World Championship victories.
Earlier in her career, she portrayed Annie in the West End production and made her television appearance on Strictly: It Takes Two before featuring in a professional dancers’ ensemble during the main show’s festive special.
Aleksandra Isaeva, who currently resides in Italy, brings multiple Ukrainian National Latin Championship titles to the programme.
Her dance partner Cristian Priori, who competes alongside her internationally, has secured four Italian Latin Championship crowns.
South African representative Lethabo Monametsi arrives as an undefeated champion in Latin dance within her home nation.
Completing the quintet is Mark Karmalita from Canada, a two-time National Latin Champion.
In separate announcements, the broadcaster revealed that four established professionals will not participate in the upcoming series: Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez.
Additionally, Johannes Radebe shifts from a performing role to a presenting position.
The presenting team for the new series will feature television and radio presenter Emma Willis alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe.
All four existing judges remain with the programme, with Shirley Ballas continuing as head judge alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.