Four new professionals join Strictly Come Dancing - pictures

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: July 12 2022 | 19:12

Last updated: July 15 2022 | 18:15

The BBC reveals four new professionals joining the lineup for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

The BBC has announced that four new dancers will join the professional troupe for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

Both Oti Mabuse and Aljaz Skorjanec have left the show and producers have now brought in four replacements, meaning that the 20-strong team of professionals will be the largest in Strictly history.

Vito Coppola for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 © BBC

Vito Coppola is an 11-time Italian Latin American champion, who joins the show after taking part in - and winning - the Italian version of Strictly last year.

"I am really excited to become part of this family," he said. "I cannot wait to start this new adventure and to challenge myself. Strictly sto arrivando! (or: Strictly I am coming!)"

Lauren Oakley for Strictly Come Dancing © BBC

Born in Birmingham, Lauren Oakley is an Under-21 British National champion and has recently been the leading lady for Strictly legends Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice on their national tours.

"I've grown up watching Strictly, always hoping that one day I could be part of the best show on television, doing what I love the most," she said. "Now that it's happening, it doesn't quite seem real. I can't wait to start this new sequinned adventure and join this incredible family."

Michelle Tsiakkas for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 © BBC

Michelle Tsiakkas was the undefeated Latin dance champion in her home country of Cyprus every year from 2001 to 2011, after which she moved to London and has been representing England on the international dance stage.

"Being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has been my dream ever since I was a little girl," she said. "I cannot believe my dream has come true! I'm so grateful to be joining this incredible family and I can't wait to step on that magical dance floor and give it my all!"

Carlos Gu for Strictly Come Dancing 2022 © BBC

The final newcomer is Carlos Gu, a Chinese national champion who has experience competing in latin, ballroom, ballet and contemporary dance.

"I'm thrilled to join Strictly and very excited to get started," he said. "It's a new chapter of my life and a new challenge as well. I'm absolutely ready to take on this journey and to shine."

Meanwhile, the returning dancers for 2022 are confirmed as Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.