BBC reveals 5 new Strictly Come Dancing professionals

Coming from a range of backgrounds and countries, the BBC has said that they are some of the most exciting talents in dance today.

The new dancers join Strictly’s 14 returning professionals for the upcoming series.

BBC reveals 5 new Strictly Come Dancing professionals

The first is Maddie Ingoldsby from Bournemouth, who is a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion.

Maddie played Annie in the West End as a child and has also 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.

Ms Ingoldsby said: “Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true.

“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.”

The second is Aleksandra Isaeva, a multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion currently living in Italy.

She 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.

“I can’t wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others, and be inspired along the way.”

Her dance partner, Cristian Priori, is also joining the show and is a four-time Italian Latin Champion.

He said: “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.

“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.”

Undefeated South African Latin Champion Lethabo Monametsi also joins the line-up.

She said: “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 beyond words, and I cannot wait to embrace every extraordinary moment of this journey.”

Two-time National Latin Champion in his native country, Canada, Mark Karmalita rounds out the newcomers.

He said: “Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I’m honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart.

“I can’t wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way.”

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, said: “Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark are all outstanding world-class dancers and we can’t wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September.”

Which professionals are returning for Strictly 2026?

Some 14 dancers have been confirmed to be returning for the new series.

They 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

Four Strictly stars have left ahead of the new series, which were Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez.

Meanwhile, Johannes Radebe is moving from a dancing to presenting role, alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.

Contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 so far

There have been seven contestants confirmed for the upcoming Strictly series.

They are:

• Lacey Turner (EastEnders’ Stacey Slater)
• Dani Dyer  (TV personality – returning after injury in 2025)
• Delta Goodrem (Australian singer)
• Chris Appleton (Hair stylist)
• Cach Mercer (Reality TV star)
• Will Best (TV and radio host)
• Dame Sarah Storey (Britain’s most successful Paralympian)
• Jaime Winstone (Actress)

All four Strictly judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas (head judge), will each be returning.

Strictly is due to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.

Will you be watching the new series of Strictly? Let us know in the comments.