New Strictly Come Dancing pros Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Madison Ingoldsby, Mark Karmalita / BBC
Strictly Come Dancing has revealed the five new professional dancers joining the show for this year’s series.
The introduction of fresh blood to the mix comes after the departures of multiple dancers this year, including Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova.
The five – Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Madison Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita – hail from across the globe, from Italy to Ukraine and Canada to South Africa.
“It’s so exciting to welcome the brilliantly talented Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark,” said Jo Wallace, senior commissioning editor at the BBC.
“As if the return of Strictly wasn’t shaping up to be fab-u-lous enough already, they’re five more reasons why the new series is not to be missed.”
The new series also heralds a new presenting era for the show as Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take the reins following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.
Scroll on to find out more about the new dancers!
Aleksandra Isaeva
From: Ukraine, now lives in Italy
Credentials: Multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion titles, Top 10 positions at both the European Latin Championships in Blackpool and the Dutch Open’s World Latin Dance Competition, Finalist at the UK Dance Festival’s Latin Rising Star competition
She says: “I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour. The thought of learning from and sharing this experience with such extraordinary dancers, choreographers and the whole Strictly family still gives me goosebumps. I can’t wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others and be inspired along the way!”
Cristian Priori
From: Italy (dance partner of Aleksandra)
Credentials: Four-time Italian Latin Champion, Rising Star Latin Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival, Open World Latin Semi-Finalist, Junior Italian 10-Dance Champion, Rising Star Finalist at both the UK Open and the Dutch Open
He says: “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. I’m ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer. Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege.”
Lethabo Monametsi
From: South Africa
Credentials: Undefeated South African Latin Champion, winner of TV dance competition Dance Yo Dumo as a member of Urban Wave, Dancer on The Masked Singer SA
She says: “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. Representing South Africa on the Strictly Come Dancing stage is far more than a career milestone, it is an honour beyond words, and I cannot wait to embrace every extraordinary moment of this journey.”
Madison Ingoldsby
From: UK
Credentials: UK National Ballroom Champion, Eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion, World Rising Star, Under-21 World Ballroom Champion
She says: “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. Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words.”
Mark Karmalita
From: Canada
Credentials: Two-time National Latin Champion, Canadian Championship winner, Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star Champion
He says: “Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I’m honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart. I can’t wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way.”
