Strictly Come Dancing reveals TWO sexy new pros set to join the lineup for the new series after Giovanni Pernice's scandal-filled departure (and they already have history with the show!)

Daily Mail​

27-07-2025

Strictly Come Dancing has unveiled two sexy new pros who are joining the lineup ahead of the much-anticipated new series this autumn.
Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon will shimmy onto screens alongside a slew of much-loved pros later this year, with both already familiar to the show, having performed on the show's international versions, Dancing With The Stars.
American-born Alexis Warr, 25, is best known for winning US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as 'America's Favourite Dancer', becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title.
She has performed as a guest Professional Dancer and in the dance troupe on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and has been part of the series' accompanying US tour for the past three years.
As well as appearing on America's Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States, Alexis has also joined Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough for three tours, in addition to his Las Vegas residency.
Prior to the announcement, Alexis hinted that she could be joining the Strictly pros in the new lineup, as she shared a video ahead of her flight to the UK over the weekend.
The fiery redhead has been married to dentist Jake Burton for six years, and regularly shares sweet snaps with her spouse on Instagram.
Speaking about joining the show, Alexis said: 'I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour.
'I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.'
Australian-born Julian has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going onto represent Australia on the international stage.
He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia's Dancing With The Stars, has toured the globe with hit dance show Burn The Floor, and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia.
Julian has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and, alongside his dance career, has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist.
Back in December, Julian announced his engagement to his girlfriend Sofia, posting a sweet video of their beachside proposal on Instagram.
He said: 'Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! '
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: 'We've been big fans of Alexis and Julian for some time so it's with great excitement that we now welcome them both to the Strictly family.
'They're two incredible dancers with bright futures ahead of them, and we know viewers are going to love getting to know them both.'
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: 'Alexis and Julian are the perfect additions to Strictly, and we can't wait for you to see them light up the ballroom this autumn.
'With our fantastic Professional Dancers plus everything else we love about Strictly, the new series promises to be bigger, better and even more glitter-packed than ever before.'
Dianne Buswell, who lifted the glitter ball in December with Chris McCausland, will be joining Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal in returning to the dance floor this September.
They will be joined by Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola who will all take to the floor once more alongside two new stars, who will be announced closer to the time.
Amy Dowden, who pulled out in the opening weeks of last year's show due to a foot injury, will also be back on Strictly for 2025, as will Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington, who didn't have a celebrity partner last year.
Despite rumours that he might be making a return after missing out on last year's series, Giovanni Pernice will not be heading back to the ballroom this time around.
In recent years, the Strictly pro lineup has seen Italian dancers Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni be axed following complaints about their conduct in the training room.
Giovanni faced bullying accusations from former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington while Graziano 'kicked' ex-Love Island star Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
There were also reports of a 'mass cull' with producers keen to revamp the Strictly pro cast.