Professional Dancers confirmed as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in autumn 2025

BBC News

11-04-2025

Strictly Come Dancing will be waltzing it's way back onto screens this Autumn for another series bringing joy, laughter and a serious amount of dance to audiences all across the UK.
Made by BBC Studios Entertainment and broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, Strictly continues to capture the hearts of the nation. The latest run was the BBC's biggest Unscripted series in 2024 with the main show averaging 8.8m viewers across the series with 10.1m tuning into the final.
In addition to this, more people watched Strictly via BBC iPlayer in 2024 than ever before, with a fifth of all audiences tuning in via the platform. Strictly continues to win and be nominated for awards, with recent wins for the show including Best Talent Show at the NTAs and the 2024 BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Programme. The show is nominated at the 2025 BAFTA TV Craft Awards in the Entertainment and Director: Multi Camera categories, with Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell's Waltz to 'You'll Never Walk Alone' earning them a 2025 BAFTA TV Award nomination for Memorable Moment.
For the upcoming series Professional Dancers Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will all take to the floor once more alongside two brand new professional dancers, with the new Pros being revealed closer to the return of the show.
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: 'The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.'
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: 'The Strictly Professional Dancers are the beating heart of the programme, showcasing to viewers in every corner of the UK their world class talent by lighting up the famous Strictly ballroom every Saturday and Sunday night. Here's to another fab-u-lous series!'
As well as the Pros taking part in the competition itself, all of the Professional Dancers will be taking to the floor each week in unforgettable group routines, which alongside world class music acts, theme weeks and of course the much-anticipated annual trip to the iconic and much-loved Tower Ballroom in Blackpool, promises audiences another spectacular series of the nation's favourite dance show.
More details regarding the upcoming series, including the Celebrity contestants taking part, will be announced in due course as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in Autumn 2025.
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios Entertainment production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer is Sarah James, the Series Editors are Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Jo Wallace.
CM2
Meet the Professional Dancers
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž is a 19 time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten dance. Aljaž and his celebrity partner Abbey Clancy raised the Glitterball in his debut year on the show in 2013 and was a runner up in 2017 with partner, Gemma Atkinson. His other celebrity partners include Clara Amfo, Kate Silverton, Sara Davies, and Alison Hammond. He graced the Strictly dancefloor for nine iconic series before taking a two-year hiatus but returned last series and was partnered with Tash Ghouri. The pair went on to reach the Strictly final, finishing runners up alongside JB Gill and Sarah Hadland.
Amy Dowden
Amy began dancing at the age of eight, is a four-time British National Finalist and went on to become British National Champion, making her one of the highest-ranking Ballroom and Latin dancers in the UK. Amy grew up watching Strictly Come Dancing from her hometown of Caerphilly, South Wales and in 2017 joined the series as a professional dancer. In 2019 she danced all the way to the final with CBBC's Karim Zeroual. In 2023, Amy underwent treatment for breast cancer but made her return in 2024 to partner JLS star JB Gill. Unfortunately, Amy had to withdraw halfway through the competition due to injury. Amy was honoured with an MBE in February 2025.
Carlos Gu
Three-time Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu is a multiple world semi-finalist, placed 3rd at the German Open Championship and was Amateur Latin Rising Star Runner Up at the 2017 UK Open. He joined the Strictly Come Dancing pro line up in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. Together they reached the final and were runners up alongside Fleur East and Helen Skelton. In 2023 he partnered presenter Angela Scanlon, making it to week 10.
Dianne Buswell
Dianne Buswell is an Australian Open Champion and four-time Amateur Australian Open Finalist. She was a professional dancer on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before joining the UK series in 2017. Dianne reached the Strictly final with her dance partner Joe Sugg in 2018. Since then, she has danced with Radio DJ Dev Griffin, Max George from the Wanted, with DJ Tyler West and made it all the way to her second Strictly final with actor Bobby Brazier. In 2024, Dianne returned to the final with her celebrity partner Chris McCausland. The pair went on to lift the glitterball trophy making her the reigning Strictly Come Dancing pro Champion.
Gorka Márquez
Gorka Marquez began dancing at the age of 12. He represented Spain in the World Latin Championships in 2010 and reached the semi-finals of the 2012 WDSF World Cup. After touring the world with dance show Burn the Floor, Gorka joined Strictly in 2016 and has danced in three finals, with Alexandra Burke in 2017, Maisie Smith in 2020 and Helen Skelton in 2022. In 2024, Gorka also appeared as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly Come Dancing. Most recently, Gorka was partnered with Dr Punam Krishan.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes Radebe is a two-time Professional South African Latin Champion and a three-time South African Amateur Latin Champion. He competed on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa twice, reaching the final both times. He joined the UK show in 2018 and in 2021 was partnered with celebrity baker John Whaite in the show's first all-male partnership. Together they reached the final and became the series' runners-up. He has also danced with actress and comedian Ellie Taylor and former tennis player and broadcaster Annabel Croft. Most recently he partnered former Olympian and Gladiator Montell Douglas, making it to Musicals Week
Jowita Przystał
Polish Open Latin Champion Jowita Przystal ended her competitive career in 2015 to join the cast of touring dance company, 'Burn the Floor' where she stayed for four years before moving to the UK in 2019 to pursue her dancing dreams. Jowita won the BBC's 'The Greatest Dancer' in 2020, which gave her the prize of performing in the Strictly ballroom, and in 2021 she officially joined the Strictly professional line-up. In 2022, she was partnered with her first celebrity - presenter Hamza Yassin and they went on to lift the trophy. Most recently, Jowita danced with celebrity partner Pete Wicks, the pair made it all the way to the Semi Final.
Kai Widdrington
Southampton born Kai Widdrington was set to follow in his dad's footsteps by becoming a professional footballer but aged 9 he decided to take up dancing instead. By the age of 14, he became World Junior Latin champion. Kai joined the professional dancer line-up of Strictly in 2021 and his first celebrity partner was TV presenter AJ Odudu - they made it to the Strictly final but sadly had to pull out due to an injury. Kai has since been partnered with Kaye Adams and broadcasting legend, Angela Rippon. Most recently Kai became a two time Strictly Christmas Champion alongside drag star, Tayce, having previously won back in 2022 with actress Alexandra Mardell.
Karen Hauer
Originally from Venezuela, Karen moved to the US when she was eight years old and there became American Rhythm Rising Star Champion, Professional World Mambo Champion and appeared in the television series So You Think You Can Dance. Karen is the longest serving Strictly dancer of the current pro line up, returning for her fourteenth series. Over the years she has enjoyed many memorable partnerships including with Jeremy Vine, Mark Wright, Chris Ramsey, Jamie Laing, and Greg Wise. Last series, she teamed up with Arsenal legend, Paul Merson.
Katya Jones
World Champion Latin dancer Katya Jones was born in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Competing for England, she became World Professional Latin Showdance Champion, three-time World Amateur Latin Champion, and four-time undefeated British National Professional Champion. Katya is also a Strictly Come Dancing champion, having won the series with Joe McFadden in her second year on the show. Some of her other Strictly students include Ed Balls, Nicola Adams, Adam Peaty, Tony Adams and Nigel Harman. Most recently, Katya danced with Opera Singer Wynn Evans, with the pair getting to week 9.
Lauren Oakley
Birmingham-born Lauren Oakley started dancing at just 2 years old and began competing soon after. Early successes include becoming Juvenile Champion at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival, winning across both Ballroom and Latin disciplines. Lauren was also crowned Under 21 British National Champion before exploring a career on stage. Lauren joined the Strictly Come Dancing family in 2022, before being paired with her first celebrity partner journalist Krishan Guru-Murthy the following year. Last series, Lauren stepped in for the injured Amy and danced with JB Gill from week 7. They made it all the way to the Strictly final.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba Mushtuk, originally from Russia, is a four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship and is also an Italian Open Latin Show Dance champion and Latin European Championship finalist. Luba was part of the Strictly Come Dancing family for several years as an assistant choreographer, before becoming a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. Luba's celebrity partners include James Cracknell, Jason Bell and Adam Thomas. Last series, Luba was paired with broadcaster Nick Knowles.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas first started dancing at the age of 6 in her home country of Cyprus. There she became an undefeated champion, winning national titles consecutively from 2001-2011 before moving to London to study. Whilst in the UK she continued to compete, representing England at major international championships. Michelle joined the pro line up of Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 dancing in the show's group numbers and music acts. Last series Michelle was paired with her first celebrity partner, EastEnders actor, Jamie Borthwick, with the couple getting to week 10.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya Bychkova is a highly decorated dancer originally from Ukraine. She is a two-time World Champion and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin '10' Dance. Nadiya joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and has danced with celebrity partners including Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan, David James, Dan Walker and Matt Goss. Last series Nadiya was paired with triple Olympic gold medallist, Tom Dean.
Nancy Xu
Nancy Xu is a world-class Latin dancer who was a finalist in the Under 21 World Championships in 2010. She was also a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance in her home country of China. Nancy joined Strictly in 2019, performing in the show's group routines and music acts. Nancy has reached the semi-final of the competition with two of her celebrity partners, CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson in 2021 and actor Will Mellor in 2022. She's also danced with Les Dennis and was crowned Christmas Strictly Champion in 2023 with celebrity partner Jamie Borthwick. Last series, Nancy was paired with actor and singer Shayne Ward making it to week 8.
Neil Jones
Neil Jones is a four-time undefeated British National Professional Champion and three-time winner of the World Amateur Latin Championships. In 2015, he was crowned World Professional Latin Showdance Champion and has won over 45 titles around the world during his competitive career. Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016 and his celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress, comedian Nina Wadia. Last series Neil was partnered with legendary singer, Toyah Wilcox.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita moved to Italy aged 9 from his home country of Ukraine and there became a six-time Italian Champion. In 2020 he competed on Let's Dance, Germany's version of Strictly Come Dancing before joining the UK series in 2021. His first celebrity partner in the UK was Tilly Ramsay and they made it to week 10. He has also danced with Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmonds and reached the final in 2023 with actor, Layton Williams. Last series Nikita was paired with former Olympic Hockey player and TV presenter, Sam Quek, reaching week 7.
Vito Coppola
Eleven-time Italian Latin American Champion Vito Coppola began dancing at the age of 6 and by the age of 10 was winning national championships. His career highlights include being a 3-time World Championship finalist and European Cup Winner. In 2021 he left the competition world and joined the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing, where he won in his very first year. He came to Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with Fleur East making it all the way to the Strictly final, and in 2023 Vito returned to the final with his celebrity partner Ellie Leach, lifting the glitterball trophy. Last series, Vito reached his third consecutive Strictly final alongside actress Sarah Hadland. The pair finished runners-up with JB Gill and Tasha Ghouri.