Two professional dancers have quit Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has confirmed.
The 2018 Strictly Come Dancing’s professional dancer line-up for series 16 was unveiled.
Leaving the show are Brendan Cole and Chloe Hewitt.
Brendan had been a pro dancer on the show for the past 14 years but announced his exit back in January on ITV’s Lorraine.
Speaking about leaving Strictly, Brendan said: “They’ve made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show.
“I’m in shock. I got a phone call. I’ve had 15 incredible series.”
Brendan admitted: “I’m disappointed. I’ve always known this day would come. I’m a very strong character, some don’t like that.
“I’ve never been contracted for more than one year. I still wanted to be part of it. My passion is still very much there.”
Chloe Hewitt who joined in 2016 will also be leaving this series.
The BBC said: “The Strictly team would like to thank both of them for their considerable contribution to the show and wish them all the very best for the future.”
Following the exits, the BBC have announced a trio of new professionals.
The three new world-class dancers joining the show are Italian Latin Champion Graziano Di Prima, Professional South African Latin Champion Johannes Radebe and four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship Luba Mushtuk.
All three dancers will join Strictly Come Dancing when the show returns later in the year bringing the total number of professional dancers to eighteen, for what the BBC says will be the “the biggest and most hotly anticipated series to date.”
The other professional dancers who will be returning to the Strictly ballroom once again are: AJ Pritchard, Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Anton Du Beke, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Janette Manrara, Karen Clifton, Katya Jones, Kevin Clifton, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Oti Mabuse and Pasha Kovalev.
Louise Rainbow, Executive Producer, Strictly Come Dancing said: “This is the biggest line-up of pros that we’ve ever had on Strictly. We are so lucky to have such an array of talent. A huge thank you goes to Brendan from all of us for 15 amazing series of Strictly. We wish him all the very best with his future projects. We would also like to thank Chloe and wish her well.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
