logo
BBC's Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new dancers

BBC's Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new dancers

Leader Live14 hours ago
American-born Alexis Warr and Australian-born Julian Caillon will join the hit dance competition series as it returns to BBC One and iPlayer this autumn.
Warr, who is best known for winning the US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned America's favourite dancer, became the first female ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Warr 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.'
Caillon, who specialises in ballroom and Latin American, has appeared as a professional dancer for three seasons of Australia's version of Strictly Come Dancing, titled Australia's Dancing With The Stars.
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!'
The newcomers will join the current cast of professional dancers, which includes Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer and Katya Jones.
Neil Jones will also return in the autumn along with Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal.
The new series, hosted by recent MBE recipients, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, will also welcome back Johannes Radebe, Aljaz Skorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Warr and Caillon will join the professionals each week for group routines, music acts, theme weeks and Strictly's annual trip to Blackpool.
Recommended Reading:
Strictly Come Dancing line-up rumours revealed for 2025
Strictly's Ore Oduba fell victim to Mel Robbins online scam
Strictly star left 'scared' after 'traumatising' mugging
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas will also return to the judging panel.
Sarah James, executive producer at 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.'
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and iPlayer this autumn.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about Jermaine Jenas complaints
Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about Jermaine Jenas complaints

South Wales Guardian

time5 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Alex Jones had ‘no idea' about Jermaine Jenas complaints

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was removed from the presenting team at BBC's Match Of The Day and The One Show following alleged issues relating to workplace conduct. Before he was sacked in August, Jenas had been a regular pundit on sports programmes and a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. Jones, 48, who co-presented with Jenas on The One Show, told the Big Issue she did not know about the complaints until he had left. She said: 'I very much take people on face value. But with JJ [Jenas] I didn't know what was going on. 'I had no idea. I thought he was taking extended leave. Jermaine Jenas was sacked from the BBC. (Image PA)'The BBC didn't share with me what was going on until they actually dealt with it. And, you know, they did what they thought was right. 'If that was my daughter and she felt uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, I hope that whatever company she was working for would deal with it swiftly as well.' After being sacked from the BBC, Jenas apologised, saying he had done 'nothing illegal' and that 'inappropriate messages' sent were 'between two consenting adults'. Months later, Jenas' wife, Ellie Penfold, announced the couple had split up after 16 years together. In a statement on her Instagram story, Penfold said: 'I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary. 'After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. 'We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.' Jenas returned to broadcasting on TalkSport radio in February after the outlet distanced itself from him in the wake of his departure from the BBC. Recommended Reading: BBC's Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new dancers Strictly Come Dancing line-up rumours revealed for 2025 Strictly's Ore Oduba fell victim to Mel Robbins online scam It is not the first time Jones has had a co-presenter leave The One Show with Jason Manford, who joined the programme at the same time as her in August 2010, resigning only three months into the role for sharing sexual internet messages with female fans. Despite co-presenting on the show for a few months, Jones said she is still 'really good pals' with Manford. The full interview with Alex Jones can be read in this week's Big Issue, on sale now.

Chloe Kelly's proud husband joins sweet tributes after Women's Euros win
Chloe Kelly's proud husband joins sweet tributes after Women's Euros win

Metro

time6 hours ago

  • Metro

Chloe Kelly's proud husband joins sweet tributes after Women's Euros win

The Lionesses have been met with an outpouring of love and appreciation from their nearest and dearest following England's victory at the Women's Euros 2025 Final. After remaining at loggerheads with old rivals Spain for much of the match, the squad finally brought football home with a 3-1 win during penalty shootouts. This was second time lucky for the Lionesses, who were previously beaten by Spain during the 2023 World Cup. Things got off to a shaky start with a missed kick from Beth Mead, but England managed to forge ahead thanks to some sterling work from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. This gave woman of the match Chloe Kelly the chance to catch up, scoring the winning spot-kick. As the country celebrates, the Lionesses' partners have joined the nation in sharing their pride. Woman of the hour Chloe is married to groundsman and greenkeeper Scott Moore, having reportedly met while she was playing for Everton and married in 2024 after five years of dating. Scott's Instagram account is private, but Chloe reposted his pride-filled Instagram tribute to her own Story after the match ended. 'Speechless once again,' he wrote in the accompanying text, along with two silver heart emojis. 'I'm so grateful to have you by my side,' Chloe added below Scott's picture and words. Women's England Captain Leah Williamson's biggest cheerleader was partner Elle Smith. The former Miss USA winner showed her support in a t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan 'Live, Laugh, Leah.' Although the pair have never confirmed that they are dating, they appeared to 'soft launch' their relationship this year in a series of loved-up social media posts. Leah's supportive partner previously showcased her pride after a match back in May, sharing a black-and-white selfie in which Elle wrapped her arms around Leah from behind. Ashley Hodson, partner of Lauren Hemp, celebrated the team's win by sharing an Instagram Story and a series of pictures to her account. 'Champions babyyy! So proud 🫶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏆', she wrote in the caption to her post. In these pictures, she and Lauren could be seen standing side by side, with a grinning Ashley holding up the freshly won medal. Meanwhile, in her Instagram Stories, Ashley described Lauren as her 'inspo,' sharing a picture of Lauren holding the trophy aloft. Another image also depicted Lauren mid-celebration, roaring in victory in the wake of the team's win. Lauren has been dating Sheffield United midfielder Hodson since 2023. At the end of a Heineken-filled day, Joe Bunney, boyfriend of Ella Toone (and footballer for Stalybridge Celtic), shared footage from her joyous victory celebration. 'Words don't describe how proud I am of you,' he wrote in one Instagram Story. In the next, he shared a selfie with Ella, writing 'BACK 2 BACK' in the caption, along with two trophy emojis and two red hearts. Vivianne Miedema, the girlfriend of Beth Mead, shared a selfie with partner Beth and Australian footballer Steph Catley. 'Proud proud' the Dutch footballer wrote in the accompanying caption to her Instagram Stories post. She then echoed the sentiment in a post to her main Instagram feed, sharing a snap of Beth sitting on her lap in the wake of the match. More Trending '🥹 proud of you,' she wrote in the accompanying caption. In the comments below, Beth responded: 'Love you ❤️' The football power couple first met while playing for Arsenal and have been together ever since. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Chloe Kelly sends pointed message to her doubters after England's Women's Euro 2025 triumph MORE: Spain manager and star player emotionally speak out on 'cruel' England loss MORE: Ian Wright names 'major favourite' for 2027 Women's World Cup after England win Euros

Strictly star swaps ballroom for Hollywood with movie debut
Strictly star swaps ballroom for Hollywood with movie debut

Metro

time9 hours ago

  • Metro

Strictly star swaps ballroom for Hollywood with movie debut

Olympic champion and former Strictly Come Dancing star Nicola Adams has lined up her debut acting role in an upcoming Hollywood movie. Former professional boxer Nicola, 42, appeared on the 18th series of the BBC dance competition in 2020. She made history when partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones as the show's first-ever same-sex partnership. However, her Strictly dreams were cut abruptly short when they were forced to withdraw during the fourth week of the competition, after Katya tested positive for Covid-19. The two-time Olympic champ will now pursue another dream—turning her hand to acting in an upcoming movie. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Nicola will star alongside Poppy Delevigne, Jack Kesy, and Bruce Willis's daughter, Rumer, in the allegorical thriller The Gun on Second Street. Talking about her career move, Nicola told The Sun: 'I just want to work with people that are just as hungry as I am. 'I'm not one of those people that just show up and just expect everything to be fine. 'I put in the work, I put in the graft, just as I do as an athlete as well. I want to take it as far as I can in terms of how I grow as an actor, being able to experience different types of roles, playing different characters that really flex my abilities and my ability to be able to dig deep on the emotions that are needed for the more dark characters.' Written and directed by Rohit Karn Batra, its story follows two police officers who are called to a domestic violence dispute on the titular Second Street in Philadelphia. The call-out goes awry when one officer accidentally shoots and kills the other. The film is described as an allegory about the gun crisis in America. At present, Nicola is listed on IMDB, although her character has not been named. Nicola rose to fame during the Olympics in 2012, becoming the first female boxer to win Olympic Gold for Britain. She went on to successfully defend her title at Rio 2016, before winning the title of WBO (World Boxing Organisation) flyweight in 2019. The athlete was forced into an early retirement that same year due to a serious eye injury, having only fought six times as a pro. She returned to the spotlight the very next year as a Strictly hopeful and has since expressed how much she'd love to return as a contestant due to 'unfinished business' after her premature departure. Of her decision to retire, Nicola said in 2019: 'I'm immensely honoured to have represented our country—to win double Olympic gold medals and then the WBO championship belt is a dream come true. 'But it's not without taking its toll on my body, and aside from the expected aches and pains, I've been advised that any further impact to my eye would most likely lead to irreparable damage and permanent vision loss. 'Boxing has always been such an important part of my life—and it always will—but after training every day for over 20 years, my body is quite looking forward to a rest!' More recently, Nicola is reported to have split from her partner of seven years, Ella Baig. The boxer began dating the OnlyFans model, 27, after they met on a night out in 2018. More Trending Now, the couple share two-year-old son, Taylor Nate, who was born via IVF using one of Nicola's eggs. A spokesperson told The Sun in March: 'Nicola and Ella have shared an incredible journey together, full of love, growth, and resilience. 'After much thoughtful reflection and important therapy work, they have made the difficult decision to separate. View More » 'Their priority remains their son, Taylor, and they are committed to co-parenting with love and respect.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new professionals after show scandals MORE: Strictly star recalls being confronted about full frontal nudity on OnlyFans MORE: Strictly star Anton Du Beke opens up on wife's 'cruel' diagnosis

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store