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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Strictly Come Dancing's four new pros revealed as major change confirmed for 20th series

Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed there will be four new professional dancers when the show returns later this year for its 20th series.

As viewers get ready for more sequins, spandex and fake tan, the programme will have its largest cast ever.

European cup winner Vito Coppola , Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu , former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas will all take to the stage with their celeb partners.

Here's the lowdown on the famous four.

Lauren Oakley said she can't wait to get started on Strictly (PA)
Vito Coppola has been on the Italian version of the show (Uknown)

Lauren Oakley

Getting the gig is a professional dancer's dream and newbie Lauren said she can't wait to get started.

Speaking about chance to perform on primetime, the bubbly Brummie said: “I’ve grown up watching Strictly, always hoping that one day I could be part of the best show on television, doing what I love the most. Now that it’s happening, it doesn’t quite seem real.

"I can’t wait to start this new sequinned adventure and join this incredible family.”

Michelle seems raring to go! (PA)
Carlos said he's "ready to shine" (PA)

Vito Coppola

Italian Vito previously starred in (and won) the Italian version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle.

He shared his excitement about joining the British show in two languages, gushing: I am really excited to become part of this family.

"I cannot wait to start this new adventure and to challenge myself. Strictly sto arrivando! (or: Strictly I am coming!)”

Kym Marsh might be strutting her stuff on the show in September (BBC)

Michelle Tsiakkas

Latin dance champion Michelle has represented England at major international championships before joining the world touring dance show Burn The Floor.

She said she was delighted to be on the show and seems raring to go!

"Being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has been my dream ever since I was a little girl. I cannot believe my dream has come true," she gushed.

"I’m so grateful to be joining this incredible family and I can’t wait to step on that magical dance floor and give it my all!"

Tony Adams is rumoured to be joining the show (Getty Images)

Carlos Gu

Multiple world semi-finalist Carlos is also thrilled to be joining the cast. He said: "I’m thrilled to join Strictly and very excited to get started.

"It’s a new chapter of my life and a new challenge as well. I’m absolutely ready to take on this journey and to shine."

Carlos and co will join Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Neil Jones.

Also returning to the show are Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.

Fans can't wait for the new series to start with rumours regarding who'll be on the show already in circulation.

Beeb bosses are reportedly in talks with actress Kym Marsh and former footballer Tony Adams for the new series.

Coronation Street star Kym - who played Michelle Connor - is said to have been a "target" for Strictly for years.

Tony 'Donkey' Adams could also be a shoo-in after the success of previous sports stars such a Louis Smith and Mark Ramprakash.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 20th series this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

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