Overview
- The BBC announced the five new professional dancers on Saturday, July 25, confirming Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita will join the 2026 cast.
- The newcomers come from Ukraine, Italy, South Africa, the UK and Canada and carry high competitive credentials such as national titles and top‑rank finishes at international Latin and ballroom events.
- The five will join 14 returning professionals and appear on the series when it returns in September under a new presenting team led by Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.
- Maddie Ingoldsby announced on July 24–25 that she and her seven‑year competitive partner Mark Chilcote have ended their partnership as she prepares to start on Strictly.
- The hires follow the earlier departures of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Márquez and Michelle Tsiakkas and have been framed by the BBC as part of a wider production refresh aimed at renewing the show's talent mix and appeal.