Need to knowThe huge shake-ups on Strictly Come Dancing continue and five new professional dancers are joining. They are some of the youngest to ever take part in the hit show16:59, 01 Aug 2026Strictly Come Dancing have signed up five new pro dancers(Image: maddieingoldsby/Instagram)The huge shake-ups on Strictly Come Dancing continue apace, with its five new professional dancers - including a TikTok star - some of the youngest to ever take part in the hit BBC show.Come September, Josh Widdecombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe will replace outgoing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who waltzed off into the sunset last year, after more than two decades on the show.It marks a fresh chapter for the scandal-hit show, after five professional dancers quit ahead of the new series - the longest-serving female pro, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.They pave the way for a new generation of Strictly dancing stars - and here, we take a look at exactly who they are.Aleksandra IsaevaAleksandra Isaeva (Image: aleksa_isa_eva/Instagram)Aleksandra has an impressive online following(Image: BBC)Aleksandra Isaeva, 22, one of the new cohorts, is a multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion, who now lives in Italy. The dancer has been ranked in the world's top 21 Latin dancers and has had great success in the European Latin Championships and the Dutch Open's World Latin Dance Competition, as well as being a finalist at the UK Dance Festival's Latin Rising Star competition."I've been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour," she says. "The thought of learning from and sharing this experience with such extraordinary dancers, choreographers and the whole Strictly family still gives me goosebumps. I can't wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others and be inspired along the way!"Aleksandra has already amassed an impressive following online, boasting 23,000 followers on Instagram and a further 17,000 on TikTok, where she regularly documents her teaching styles - as well as luxurious travel getaways.Cristian PrioriChristian previously danced with Aleksandra(Image: cristian_priori/Instagram)He is a four-time Italian Latin Champion(Image: Ylenia Stavale)Cristian, 34, is Aleksandra's dance partner. A four-time Italian Latin Champion, he has been one of the world's top Latin dancers for eight years in a row. A Rising Star Latin Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival and an Open World Latin Semi-Finalist, he has been dancing since he was 13, and for three years with Aleksandra."Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision. Dance has always been my way of expressing myself, and I'm so excited to begin this new chapter", he says. "I'm ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer. Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege."Cristian is known for his "talent, discipline, and remarkable consistency at the top of international dance".Lethabo MonametsiLethabo says representing South Africa on the Strictly Come Dancing stage is 'far more than a career milestone'(Image: aleksa_isa_eva/Instagram)Lethabo also has a Bachelor of Arts (Law Major) Degree from the University of the Witwatersrand(Image: lethabomonametsi/Instagram)Lethabo Monametsi, 23, joins the show as a South African Latin Champion, having loved watching the South African version of Strictly Come Dancing as a young girl. it's not her first rodeo when it comes to TV though - she has appeared on shows including Dance Yo Dumo and The Masked Singer South Africa.One of her biggest career highlights was sharing the stage with Diana Ross and composer Hans Zimmer, and she has also represented South Africa at the WDC Amateur Open World Championships."This moment is bigger than me. I step into it with profound gratitude and deep humility, knowing it is the culmination of years of unwavering love, belief, and support from the people who dared to dream alongside me," she says."Representing South Africa on the Strictly Come Dancing stage is far more than a career milestone, it is an honour beyond words, and I cannot wait to embrace every extraordinary moment of this journey."As well as her dancing skills, Lethabo also has a Bachelor of Arts (Law Major) Degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and is the founder of The Gaopalelwe (GP) Foundation, which aims to support those gifted in art between the ages of 9 to 17 to access art education, mentorship and more.Maddie IngoldsbyMaddie is the youngest of the new pros(Image: maddieingoldsby/Instagram)Maddie has previously appeared on Strictly(Image: Tomasz Reindl)At 21-years-old, Maddie is the youngest of the new professional dancers. A UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion from Bournemouth, she has starred as Annie in the West End."Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true. My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter. Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words," she says.Maddie even has a history with the show, having appeared on Strictly: It Takes Two in the past. She has also performed in a professional group number on the main show's Christmas special.With film credits including Last Christmas, which also stars Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke, Maddie loves a life in the spotlight. She has 47,000 followers on Instagram and counts soap stars Bradley Riches and Bobby Brazier as friends.Maddie hinted at her Strictly appointment several weeks ago, when she announced she was taking a pause on her competitive dancing, ending her dance partnership with Mark Chilcote.Mark KarmalitaMark Karmalita is joining Strictly(Image: markarmalita/Instagram)He is a two-time National Latin Champion(Image: markarmalita/Instagram)Mark Karmalita, 22, joins the show from Canada, a two-time National Latin Champion and a Canadian Championship winner and finalist. His credits include Empire Dance US Latin Rising Star Champion, and he was also ranked as 10th in the World at the Under 21 Latin Dance Festival in Blackpool."Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I'm honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart. I can't wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way," he says.Mark has performed all over the world. His most recent competition was at the Windy City Open 2026, where he placed third in Amateur Latin. Alongside dance partner Mishella, he placed second in the Amateur Latin category at the Florida Star Ball.Upon news of his Strictly appointment and move to the UK, Mark said goodbye to his dance family at Dance Life Toronto, where he taught young people in group classes and one on one.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.