The Strictly Come Dancing 2018 professionals line up has been officially confirmed by the BBC today.
But who’s gone, who’s back and who’s new? Here’s all you need to know!
The BBC Has confirmed three new pros for 2018: They 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.
Graziano said: “This is my dream come true! I still can’t believe I will be one of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. I can’t wait to give all of myself on the dance floor!”
Johannes said: “Joining Strictly Come Dancing is one of the greatest achievements of my dancing career. It is such an honour to be chosen to be a part of an incredible cast and be part of one of the biggest shows that is celebrated worldwide. I cannot wait to get started and experience the magic with the UK!”
And Luba Mushtuk added: “Words cannot express how thrilled I am to do what I love most on the greatest show on earth! I am super excited and so thankful for this priceless opportunity. I can’t wait to get started as a professional dancer on Strictly… bring on the sparkle!”
They will join returning Strictly professionals 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.
It brings the total number of professional dancers to eighteen, with BBC One promising “the biggest and most hotly anticipated series to date.”
But we have lost two Strictly pros: Brendan Cole, a series original, and Chloe Hewitt, who joined in 2016, will both be leaving the show.
Brendan revealed back in January that the BBC had decided not to renew his contract.
“They’ve made an editorial decision not to have me back on the show,” he said. “I’m in shock. I got a phone call. I’ve had 15 incredible series. 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.”
Brendan admitted: “I’m disappointed. I’ve always known this day would come. I’m a very strong character, some don’t like that.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2018 will air on BBC One in the autumn.
