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This introductory group dance is a paso doble-meets-tango number with flame red outfits and moody monochrome lighting, set to high-energy banger My New Religion by Bebe Rexha and Faithless – released this spring from her Dirty Blonde album, EDM fans. Fresh blood with feet of fire!
Meet the new pros
The five new professionals make their dancefloor debuts. The three women are Ukrainian blonde Aleksandra Isaeva, who lives in Italy and is a Latin champion; home-grown pro Maddie Ingoldsby, who hails from Bournemouth and appeared on a Strictly Christmas special aged just 11 (aww!) as part of a pro routine; and Lethabo Monametsi, a South African to step into Jojo’s vertiginous shoes. She also has a law degree, just to show us all up.
The two male newbies are Italian stallion Cristian Priori, who is Aleksandra’s competitive dance partner; and fresh-faced boy band type Mark Karmalita from Canada. Potentially in the AJ/Nikita ballpark, perhaps.
EastEnders has produced three glitterball winners in Jill Halfpenny, Kara Tointon and Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Lacey Turner is in good hands with Vito Coppola. This could be a powerhouse pairing.
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin are the only couple on Strictly history to be paired up twice. Don’t break a leg, Dani.
The two Js grill the new couples
That’s Josh and Johannes, obv. Up to the ballroom balcony (formerly known as the Clauditorium, sniffle) for some chat with the freshly formed pairings. They all seem happy with their wash.
Comments are now open! Apologies for the delay. Gremlins begone!
It’s Jaime and Carlos!
Made In Dagenham star and Barbara Windsor portrayer Jaime Winstone will be raving it up with reigning pro champ Carlos Gu.
Jaime has revealed that her inspiration to say yes to Strictly came from two unlikely sources: Madonna and Taylor Swift. “I’m a huge Madonna fans and I took her Danceteria album and the lyrics ‘Everybody get up and dance’ as a personal sign. Another came when I went to my friend Poppy Delevingne’s birthday party and Taylor Swift was there. I was just dancing as I do, and she came up to me out of nowhere and just said, ‘Oh my lord, how do you dance so freely?’
You can’t argue with that. She should form a “lively” duo with two-time finalist and one-time winner Carlos. Bring earplugs.
It’s Melanie and Aljaž!
She’s this year’s oldest contestant at 64 and Gavin & Stacey favourite Melanie Walters will be guided by smiley Slovenian pro Aljaž Škorjanec. Could the three-time finalist make it four? Melanie teaches Pilates and might be a surprise package.
She’s said that if her character Gwen was in Strictly, “She would be given extra training by Nessa, who taught Shirley Ballas all she knows. Uncle Bryn would take over her wardrobe. He’s be in his element the choosing sequinned dresses for her.” Lush, tidy, crackin’, etc.
It’s Dani and Nikita!
No surprise there. Love Island winner Dani Dyer was paired with Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin last year, before an ankle fracture forced her to withdraw. Now she’s back and reunited with him, which might give her a slight headstart.
Nikita came tantalisingly close to the glitterball with both Layton Williams and Amber Davies. Might this be his year? A couple to watch. Bound to become firm fan favourites, too.
It’s Sarah and Julian!
The 19-time gold medallist Dame Sarah Storey is matched with Australian pro Julian Caillon. He made a great impression in his debut series last year, steering Balvinder Sopal through five dance-offs and all the way to the semi-final. The ever-competitive Dame will be gunning for a podium finish.
It’s Lacey and Vito!
The first couple is announced. EastEnders actor Lacey Turner, who plays Walford sweetheart Stacey Slater, was the first celebrity announced for this series and will partner Italian pro Vito Coppola.
He reached the final in his three first series and last year formed an endearing partnership with Ellie Goldstein. He’s also the reigning Christmas champion, having won the 2025 festive special with Scarlett Moffatt. Could Vito make it four finals in five years?
The first group dance is go. Dua Lipa soundtrack. Switching partners… now!
Jaime Winstone and Dani Dyer are looking good in training. And Emma Willis is fitting right in, no?
Athleisure! Fluffed steps! Sweat patches!
Ballroom boot camp begins
A VT now, taking us behind the scenes as the celebs begin their dance rehearsals at a top secret location. Just off the A40 near High Wycombe.
Sarah Storey is the first ever Dame to compete in the ballroom. Good factoid. Although I can’t quite believe that Jill Halfpenny hasn’t been honoured for THAT jive.
They will dance in three groups of five and periodically be told to “Change partners!”, like a sort of hoofing version of speed-dating.
Let the pro-celebrity pairing begin
Our 15 celebrities nervously wait to find out their professional partners – and this year, there’s a twist. Rather than via pre-recorded VTs, they’ll discover their partners in front of the studio audience via three specially-choreographed dance routines.
Fun! If a little unfair on the celebs, perhaps. They’re terrified enough already. Don’t make them dance, too!
Lacey Turner and Melanie Walters are proving good value in the… Must. Stop. Calling it the Clauditorium.
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