BBC bosses have officially revealed five new professional dancers for Strictly Come Dancing as part of a major cast overhaul ahead of the autumn 2026 series.
The incoming lineup includes Ukrainian star Aleksandra Isaeva, Italian champion Cristian Priori, South Africa’s Lethabo Monametsi, Bournemouth-born Maddie Ingoldsby, and Canadian Latin champion Mark Karmalita. The five international recruits will join 14 returning professional dancers when the hit entertainment series returns to screens this September.
International champions bring decorated titles to ballroom floor
The five recruits bring extensive professional qualifications to the BBC flagship production, representing five distinct nations. Ms Isaeva, who ranks among the world’s top 21 Latin dancers, joins alongside her dance partner Mr Priori, a four-time Italian Latin champion who held a spot in the global top 24 for eight consecutive years.
“I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour,” says Aleksandra Isaeva, professional dancer at BBC Studios.
Meanwhile, Ms Ingoldsby has captured the Amateur 10-Dance World Championship title on eight separate occasions, and Ms Monametsi enters the ballroom with an unbeaten record as South African Latin Champion.
BBC executive confirms vision behind major line-up refresh
The major cast reshuffle follows the departures of long-serving fan favourites Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Broadcasting insiders indicate the decision forms part of a wider strategic push to engage younger audiences on digital platforms such as TikTok.
“They are five more reasons why the new series is not to be missed,” says Jo Wallace, senior commissioning editor at BBC Entertainment.
Production executive Sarah James also welcomed the signings, describing the quintet as outstanding world-class talent ready to shine under the glitterball. Head judge Shirley Ballas echoed the official enthusiasm, noting she had witnessed the young performers’ skills firsthand within the professional dance industry.
Refresh coincides with new presenting trio for autumn return
The arrival of the new dancers coincides with a broader transformation for the Saturday night staple, which will also debut three brand-new hosts—Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe, and Emma Willis. The trio step in following the departure of long-term presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.
While several long-time viewers expressed skepticism on social media regarding the scale of changes, returning cast members including Amy Dowden, Vito Coppola, and Dianne Buswell publicly welcomed their new colleagues to the team.
It is important to note, however, that while production adjustments and talent rotations are routinely implemented to refresh long-running television formats, individual viewer ratings and audience reception may vary once live broadcasts commence in late 2026.
