Strictly bosses ‘snap up new Giovanni Pernice’ after brutal culling of pro dancers

After giving several professional dancers the chop ahead of the next series, Strictly Come Dancing bosses are introducing fresh blood.

In the latest reports, it’s been claimed that an American dance star has been snapped up to join the pro roster.

Named D’Angelo Castro, the 25-year-old has already been tipped as a replacement for Giovanni Pernice, 35, who was axed from Strictly in 2024 along with fellow Italian star Graziano Di Prima, 31, after a bullying investigation prompted by ‘numerous serious complaints’ about his behaviour in training. He denied all allegations.

D’Angelo already has an impressive following, having appeared on Dancing with the Stars in the US.

And on a recent trip across the pond, it’s said he caught the eye of Strictly execs.

A source told The Sun: ‘Strictly bosses are on the lookout for fresh faces and love the look of D’Angelo; he ticks all the boxes.

‘They hope he could be the new Giovanni Pernice.’

D’Angelo appears to already be connected with the Strictly family, as recently axed pro Nadiya Bychkova follows him on Instagram, as do newbie pro Alexis Warr and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.

According to IMDb, he also has a screen presence thanks to appearances in Cody Fry: Waltz for Sweatpants (2023) and World of Dance (2017).

In his Instagram bio, he describes himself as a ‘dancer, performer, and teacher’, stating that he is currently based in Miami and New York.

His online content showcases his undeniable talents, as he frequently uploads dancing videos, earning high praise from viewers.

As rumours of his signing swirl, Strictly fans have been weighing in, with FabulousCat7823 on Reddit saying he’d be a ‘great’ addition.

‘They would be daft not to hire him. He was an incredible troupe dancer for DTWS. His Latin moves are insane,’ added Travellinglense.

CanEnvironmental6204 echoed that they would ‘LOVE’ him to join the show, while forevertrueblue exclaimed: ‘Really hoping this happens!’

This year marks a significant shake-up for the flagship BBC programme, which began when hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be stepping down after the 2025 Christmas special.

Having always insisted they would ‘go together’, the duo – who made history as primetime TV’s first female presenting duo in 2014 – decided it was the ‘right time’ to pass the baton.

This was seemingly the catalyst for a string of other changes, with some of the most popular and longest-serving professionals being informed that their contracts wouldn’t be renewed, allegedly leaving them ‘distraught’.

Along with Ukrainian pro Nadiya, who joined in 2017, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas have also announced their exits.

In her Instagram video announcement, Karen said it was a ‘tough’ one to make, but she’s decided to ‘close this chapter and take on new projects’, while Luba wrote of feeling ‘deeply grateful for the past 10 years’ as she prepares to ‘follow [her] dreams beyond the show’.

Meanwhile, Michelle, who only joined in 2022, released a statement saying it’s been an ’emotional time’ as Strictly was ‘a big part of [her] life’.

Her post followed a tell-all interview with The Sun, in which the Cypriot pro claimed she was dropped during a 30-minute Zoom call, which she ‘didn’t see coming’.

‘I thought I had more time,’ she told the publication. ‘When she told me I wasn’t coming back, there was a moment of shock. I felt my story was unfinished.’

It has further been claimed that Spanish pro Gorka Márquez, who’s been on Strictly for 10 years, has been axed. However, he is yet to speak out.

In additional changes, Neil Jones and Nancy Xu are set to be ‘benched’ in the upcoming season, meaning they will not receive a celebrity partner.

Then, of course, there’s still the small matter of new presenters to sort.

Chemistry tests for a new pair are thought to be taking place this month, having been pushed back from January.

Currently, the frontrunners include Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Angela Scanlon, Emma Willis, and Fleur East.

Bradley Walsh and Alex Jones have also had their names in the mix for a while, and comedians Miranda Hart and Mel Giedroyc have been tipped as replacements for Claudia’s chaotic claudiatoriam segments.

When contacted for a comment, a BBC spokesperson told Metro that plans for the 2026 series would be revealed ‘in due course’.

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