Strictly Come Dancing adds five new professional dancers for 2026

The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing announced a major lineup change for its 2026 series. Five new professional dancers will join the show, replacing the five professionals who departed earlier this year. The newcomers are Ukrainian Latin champion Aleksandra Isaeva (ranked in the world’s top 21), four‑time Italian Latin champion Cristian Priori (formerly in the top 24), undefeated South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, UK National Ballroom Champion Maddie Ingoldsby, and two‑time Canadian National Latin Champion Mark Karmalita. They represent five nations – the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, South Africa and Ukraine – and will appear alongside returning professionals such as Alexis Warr and Katya Jones. The series also introduces a new presenting team of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. Shortly after her appointment, Maddie Ingoldsby announced on Instagram that she and partner Mark Chilcote are ending a seven‑year competitive partnership, describing the decision as a “final bow” after a career that included eight world titles.

Quotes from the new hires highlight their enthusiasm: Isaeva said joining Strictly is “a true honour” and that “the thought of learning from…still gives me goosebumps,” while Priori called the opportunity “an easy decision” and expressed excitement to “begin this new chapter.” Monametsi described the moment as “bigger than me” and an “honour beyond words.”