The BBC have today revealed three new female pros to join the Strictly 2017 professional dancer lineup. Without further ado, the new pros are:
Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova and Amy Dowden
Dianne is a Australian Open champion and four time finalist in the Amateur Australian Open. She has also appeared on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing With The Stars and has been part of Burn The Floor In Broadway since 2011. Speaking to the BBC she said: “What an honour it is to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! Words can’t describe how excited I am to take on this amazing challenge and give it my everything! See you on the dance floor!”
Nadiya is a Ukranian dancer and a two time World Champion and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin “10” Dance. She has also appeared in the Bosnian version of Strictly. Speaking to the BBC she said: “I’m extremely happy to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing family this year. One of my biggest dreams is to be part of this great show and I can’t wait to get started!”
Amy is from Wales and has been dancing since the age of 8. She is the current British National Champion and one of the highest ranking Ballroom and Latin dancers in the UK. Speaking to the BBC she said: “Becoming a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has made my wildest dreams come true, it does not feel real! I have always been proud of my Welsh roots and feel so honoured to be the first Welsh professional dancer on the most loved show on TV!”
Dianne, Nadiya and Amy replace Joanne Clifton (?), Oksana Platero (?) and already announced departing pro Natalie Lowe. They will be joining returning pros Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, Kevin Clifton, Neil Jones, Pasha Kovalev, Gorka Marquez, Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice and AJ Pritchard; alongside Karen Clifton, Chloe Hewitt, Katya Jones, Janette Manrara and Oti Mabuse.
Newly departing pro Joanne said to the BBC: “Being part of the Strictly experience has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I will miss the show so much. It’s been a tough decision but I am looking forward to facing new challenges and focusing on my musical theatre career.”
Oksana had this to say: “I just want to say thank you to everyone involved with Strictly. Last year was my first season and I had an unforgettable time working alongside such amazing dancers and an even better time with Judge Rinder. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and I will never forget it. Thank you so much for the memories.”
You can read the full BBC Press Release here. What do you think of the new pros, the departing pros and the full new lineup. As always let me know right here in the comments or over on Facebook or Twitter