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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

Strictly fans demand major shake-up as professionals starts rehearsals

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals have already started rehearsals for the new series.

On the same day that the first trio of celebrities were announced, the pro dancers got back together in the training room.

Strictly's official Twitter account tweeted: "First pro rehearsals, and first celebrity reveals tonight. It's beginning to feel a lot like #Strictly."

All of last year's pros have returned apart from Pasha Kovalev, who has been replaced by newbie Nancy Xu.

However, fans of the show are calling for a major shake-up this year as they want Neil Jones to be given a chance to shine.

(@BBCSTRICLTY/Twitter)
Neil is tipped to get a celeb partner this year (WireImage)

Strictly viewers are begging for show bosses to give Neil a celebrity partner.

One fan said: "Best part of the year, but PLEASE give @Mr_NJones  a partner!!!!"

"You better give @Mr_NJones  a celeb partner this year. #GiveNeilACelebPartner," added another.

A third said: "But is Neil getting a real gig this year????? Always the bridesmaid never the bride for so many years...."

Nancy-Xu is replacing Pasha (BBC)

There is one big change this year in the form of Latin dancer Nancy Xu, who joins the professionals line-up.

Xu was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance in her home country of China and performed in hit West End and Broadway show Burn The Floor.

She is takes over from Pasha Kovalev, who announced his departure from the show earlier this year and is moving on to “find a new challenge”.

The first three celebrities taking part in this year's series were officially confirmed on Wednesday night.

Former England goalkeeper David James, Geordie comedian Chris Ramsey and EastEnders star Emma Barton are in the line-up.

The ex-footballer, stand-up comic and Honey Mitchell actress will be hoping to impress the judges when they take to the ballroom.

Speaking about his involvement, David said: "England legend David, 48, said: "I’m really excited to be on Strictly this year. Not just competing against this year’s stars, but being compared to previous sport stars from previous Strictly seasons. I have some big shoes to fill."

Chris said: "I’m both excited and absolutely terrified to be doing the show. You will not find me on the dance floor at parties, you will find me at the buffet table. All night.

"At my wedding I danced with my wife; that one song took about 6 months practice, and I definitely stood on her feet a couple of times.

“So I’m looking forward to the possibility of making a fool of myself in front of millions of people…there better be a buffet after the live shows.”

While Emma added: “As possibly one of the biggest Strictly fans on the planet, I still can’t believe this is happening. I’m very much a dance around your handbag kinda girl, but now I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity to learn all the different styles of dancing from the very best in the business.

“So, I’m whipping off Honey’s ‘Minute Mart’ tabard and diving right in to all the glitter and sparkle. From Albert Square to the Strictly dance floor - I just can’t wait!”

*Strictly Come Dancingreurns this autumn on BBC One

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