Three new dancers will join returning professionals including Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole and Kevin and Karen Clifton on the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Strictly Come Dancing's Anton du Beke
World Champion Katya Jones, Ukrainian Champion Oksana Platero and top Spanish dance professional Gorka Marquez will help to guide this year's celebrity contestants on the BBC dance show which features judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell.
However, Gleb Savchenko has joined Aliona Vilani, Kristina Rihanoff, Ola Jordan and Tristan MacManus in quitting the show, citing family commitments.
BBC said in a press release: "'Strictly' extends its thanks to those who announced at the end of last series that they wouldn't be returning to the show, and to Gleb Savchenko who has decided that due to family commitments he will not be appearing in the next series.
Gelb said: "I thoroughly enjoyed taking part on the last series of 'Strictly Come Dancing' and especially the way that the UK gave me such a warm welcome but due to family commitments I won't be returning to the show for the next series - I'll definitely be tuning in though."
However, Pasha Kovalevsky, Aljaz Skorjanec, Giovanni Pernice, Natalie Lowe, Joanne Clifton, Janette Manrara and Oti Mabuse will all join Anton, Brendan and the Cliftons as returning dancers.
The three new professionals are thrilled to be joining the long-running show and can't wait to get rehearsing.
Katya said: "I am so privileged to be joining 'Strictly Come Dancing'. I know it is extremely intense, but so am I! I am fierce, fabulous, and would love to win!"
Gorka added: "I feel very excited and grateful to be joining 'Strictly Come Dancing' and to be one of the professional dancers for the new series. It's something that every dancer dreams of and something that I always wanted to have the opportunity to do."
And Oksana gushed: "Words cannot describe how extremely excited I am to be joining the 'Strictly Come Dancing' family this year. I am so fortunate to be given the opportunity. It feels so surreal and I cannot wait to get started."
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