Who are the new Strictly pro dancers? Meet the five new professionals for 2026

THE new series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to see plenty of change with three new hosts and 15 brand-new celebrity contestants being welcomed to Elstree Studios in 2026. They aren’t the only personnel changing, however, with five new professional dancers coming in to replace some departing veterans this year. But who are they? Series 24 of Strictly is here Credit: PA The 15 new celeb contestants are confirmed, but who are the pro dancers? Credit: PA Who are the new Strictly pro dancers? Last year, just two new professional dancers joined Strictly for the 23rd series; however, fast-forward to 2026, and that number has risen to five. That’s because some long-standing dancers have moved on from the show ahead of the new series. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! Most notably, Karen Hauer – the longest-serving female professional dancer on Strictly – has left the show after 14 years because she decided the time was right to move on. Following her is Gorka Marquez, who left the show after a decade to step back and spend more time with his family. Elsewhere, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas have all decided the time is right to depart the BBC showpiece. But who are the five professional dancers coming in to replace them? Aleksandra Isaeva Aleksandra is ranked inside the World’s top 21 Latin dancers Credit: Instagram Growing up in Ukraine, Aleksandra now lives in Italy and is honoured as a multiple-time National Latin Champion. Most read in TV The 22-year-old is ranked inside the World’s top 21 Latin dancers and has reached the top 10 at both the European Latin Championships in Blackpool and the Dutch Open World Latin Dance Competition. Additionally, she became a finalist at the UK Dance Festival Latin Rising Star competition. On becoming part of Strictly, 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.” Cristian Priori Cristian Priori (middle) said accepting Strictly was an ‘easy decision’ Credit: X Joining dance partner Aleksandra, Cristian Priori will also enter Strictly as part of the show’s cast for the 24th series. The 34-year-old is a four-time Italian Latin Champion, previously ranked in the World’s top 24 Latin dancers for eight consecutive years. His international success saw him achieve great heights, notably becoming a Rising Star Latin Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival and an Open World Latin Semi-Finalist. Cristian 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.” Lethabo Monametsi Lethabo was inspired to get into dance after watching the South African version of Strictly Credit: Alamy Live News. Lethabo is an undefeated Latin dance champion who made it her dream to become a dancer after watching the South African version of Strictly. Across her career, she has shared the stage with icons including Diana Ross and Hans Zimmer, whilst also appearing as a dancer in the South African version of Masked Singer. In terms of titles, Lethabo won the South African dance competition Dance Yo Dumo as a member of the collective Urban Wave. The 23-year-old 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.” Maddie Ingoldsby Maddie Ingoldsby made her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two Credit: instagram Maddie, a child star from Bournemouth who played Annie in the West End and starred in 2019’s Last Christmas, will also join Strictly as a pro dancer at just 21 years old. The Brit is a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion. She also boasts the achievements of having previously been crowned World Rising Star and Under-21 World Ballroom Champion. Approximately 10 years ago, Maddie made 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. She 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.” Mark Karmalita Mark said: ‘Joining Strictly feels incredibly special’ Credit: BBC Mark, 22, is a two-time National Latin Champion in his native Canada. Back in North America, he is also a Canadian Championship winner and finalist across multiple age groups. His dance career has seen him become an Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star Champion, and he has previously ranked 10th in the World at the Under-21 Latin Dance Festival in Blackpool. Mark said: “Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I’m honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart.” Comment now