Strictly Come Dancing welcomes five new professional dancers, including Latin stars Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori, for the 2026 season!
The dance world is buzzing with excitement as BBC's beloved "Strictly Come Dancing" has officially unveiled five new professional dancers set to grace the iconic ballroom for the 2026 season! This exciting announcement, made on July 25, 2026, promises a fresh wave of talent and electrifying performances that will undoubtedly captivate audiences and elevate the competition.
Among the sensational new additions are two names that will resonate particularly with Latin dance enthusiasts: Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori. These world-class dancers bring a wealth of experience and championship titles to the Strictly stage, and we at GoDance couldn't be more thrilled to see their artistry unfold.
Aleksandra Isaeva, a multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion, is renowned for her dynamic style and formidable technique. Ranked among the world's top 21 Latin dancers, her impressive resume includes top 10 finishes at prestigious events like the European Latin Championships in Blackpool and the Dutch Open's World Latin Dance Competition. Her passion for dance is palpable, with Isaeva expressing that joining the Strictly family is a "true honour" and that she "can't wait to pour [her] whole heart into every performance."
Joining her is her dance partner, Cristian Priori, a four-time Italian Latin Champion. Priori's consistent excellence saw him ranked in the world's top 24 Latin dancers for eight consecutive years, with notable achievements as a Rising Star Latin Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival and an Open World Latin Semi-Finalist. Hailing from Rome, Cristian's journey in dance began at a young age, becoming a Junior Italian 10-Dance Champion. He shared his enthusiasm, stating that saying "yes to Strictly was an easy decision" and that he's "so excited to begin this new chapter."
The new quintet, which also includes Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita, hails from diverse corners of the globe including the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and Ukraine. Their arrival follows a significant shake-up, with several long-standing professional dancers departing the show earlier this year. This infusion of new blood, along with the returning beloved professionals, ensures that the 2026 season of "Strictly Come Dancing" will be nothing short of spectacular.
Executive Producer Sarah James from BBC Studios highlighted the caliber of the new dancers, stating, "Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark are all outstanding world-class dancers and we can't wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September." The anticipation for their debut this September is already building, promising a series filled with breathtaking routines and unforgettable moments.
Inspired by the dedication and talent of these incredible dancers? GoDance offers classes for all levels, helping you find your rhythm and passion, just like the pros.
The GoDance team crafts articles about dance, technique and inspiring stories from dancers.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get new content delivered to your inbox
Five new professional dancers are joining the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
Aleksandra Isaeva is a multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion, ranked among the world's top 21 Latin dancers. Cristian Priori is her dance partner and a four-time Italian Latin Champion, who was ranked in the world's top 24 Latin dancers for eight consecutive years.
