Two Strictly Come Dancing dancers announced - and they have history with BBC show

Strictly Come Dancing has announced two new professional dancers have joined the BBC series, and they both have history with the show. US dancer Alexis Warr, who rose to fame on So You Think You Can Dance and the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, has been confirmed to be joining the 2025 series. Alexis has also danced on America's Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States - including three with Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, in addition to his Las Vegas residency.

She 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." She will be joined by Australian dancer Julian Caillon, who competed on three seasons of Australia's version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia.

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!"

They have both previously performed at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where Strictly famously airs its highly-anticipated Blackpool special.

Alexis and Julian join the current line-up of Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal.

Other confirmed professional dancers include Johannes Radebe, Alja Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

Despite rumours that he could be making a surprise return, Giovanni Pernice will not be appearing in the 2025 series following his exit from the show after being investigated for his behaviour towards his partner Amanda Abbington.

Graziano di Prima will also not be joining the new series following his axe, as he was accused of kicking his dance partner Zara McDermott.

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 said: "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."