The hit BBC One dance contest is just weeks away from a sparkling return
Strictly Come Dancing's new professional dancers have been seen for the first time with their new co-stars as rehearsals begin for the next series.
The hit BBC One dance contest is just weeks away from a sparkling return and while the celebrities for the 2025 run are yet to be revealed, we do know which pros are going to be back in the ballroom.
It was back in April that the BBC confirmed the professional line-up for the upcoming run of the hit dance show. Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk will all take to the floor once more.
They'll also be joined by Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
But that's not the complete line-up as when the initial announcement was made, it was also revealed that two brand new professional dancers will be making their debut.
It was then over the weekend that the necomers were revealed as Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. Alexis 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's also appeared on America's version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, America's Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States.
Upon joining the BBC cast, 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."
Meanwhile, Australian-born Julian Caillon has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going on to represent Australia on the international stage.
He'll fit perfectly in the ballroom after having competed on three seasons of Australia’s Dancing With The Stars. Julian commented: "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!"
And both Alexis and Julian are no strangers to the UK, having also previously danced at the world-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where Strictly will return later this series for its much-anticipated annual special.
The pair have now been seen smiling and waving to waiting photographers as they made their way into rehearsals on Monday (July 28) ahead of the professional dancers pre-recording their series routines next month.
They were seen arriving alongside their new co-stars, including Dianne Buswell and Kai Widdrington who couldn't have looked happier to heading back to their Strictly roles.
Gorka Marquez, Karen Hauer, Johannes Radebe, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Neil Jones, Amy Dowden, Carlos Gu, Michalle Tsikkias and Katya Jones were all also in good spirtis
For the past few years, the professional dancers have pre-recorded the routines which often feature during the Sunday night results show, which are also filmed in advance following the main show on a Saturday night.
According to the BBC, "this is your chance to watch an exclusive recording of the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers as they showcase their spectacular dance skills in the group number performances for the first time this series."
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The message continues: "Each record day will consist of two to three Group Number performances which will be featured in shows throughout this series of Strictly Come Dancing. Recordings are expected to last around three hours."
There are four sessions, with the first take place on August 27, followed by August 31, September 4 and September 5, with fans able to find out more information here.
