BREAKING NEWS: Strictly fans have same complaint as BBC announces major change to new series
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There will be several changes to the much-loved BBC dance contest this year(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
Strictly Come Dancing fans have made the same complaint after the BBC announced a major change to the new series. On Saturday (July 25), it was revealed that five new professional dancers are set to join the show this year.
Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk left the TV dance contest earlier this year and have now been replaced by Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.
This isn’t the first change made to the 2026 Strictly series, as Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe are also set to take over from long-running hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their depature from the programme late last year.
Amongst the celebrities taking part in the dancing competition this year are EastEnders star Lacey Turner, former Love Island star Dani Dyer, celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton and reality TV star Cach Mercer.
The announcement of the five new professional dancers was made by the BBC on Instagram earlier today. It revealed: “Strictly Come Dancing has announced five new Pro Dancers! Meet the fab-u-lous five joining Strictly this September…They’ve all danced their way to international acclaim and are some of the most exciting talents in dance today.”
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Amongst the comments, head judge Shirley Ballas wrote: “Get ready everyone, we are in for something very special. I’ve witnessed first hand these young dancers within my industry and they are some of the very very best. We are blessed to have them enter our ballroom. I’m excited x.”
Fellow professional Amy Dowden also commented: “Welcome to the family all! Let’s do this can’t wait to share the floor with you all xxxx.”
However, fans of the show weren’t as happy with the news, as they expressed their worry over the changes made ahead of the upcoming series.
@littleroseybear commented: “Welcome all! But @bbcstrictly please don’t change our beloved show too much. My children love the show, and Karen was one of our favourites, so I don’t understand some of the decisions you’ve made. Love to see new professionals, but this many coming in and losing one’s we loved. Seems a strange decision to me, they make the show. Time will tell..”
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Five new professional dancers are joining Strictly(Image: BBC)
@_va0103 said: “Happy for them but I feel it’s too much change at once. Going to seem like a totally different show.”
@emme_x_ questioned: “Why get rid of the old ones to introduce new!!! I will never get behind this decision!!!!,” as @kaybee3002 said: “Honestly, not feeling it. Just feels a bit pointless. But time will tell.”
@katyperryrulestheuk2 wrote: “Why get rid of 5 pros just to get 5 new ones??? Surely they should be less new ones otherwise many deserving pros will still be benched.”
@suepixiemarr also said: “Yet another ‘let’s reboot this the crap of a firm favorite’ by the BBC. Whilst times change ect, those that loved the show aren’t going to love it. Too much change all in one go with new presenters that aren’t tried & tested formula heading it. Let’s hope this doesn’t signal the decline of a beloved show. As for bringing in a younger audience- I think you may have missed the brief already.”
