Strictly Come Dancing is set to welcome a string of new faces to the star-studded cast ahead of its much anticipated 19th series.
A foursome of new professional dancers united from across the globe will be hot-footing it onto the famous BBC dancefloor.
The four new dancers are: former Dancing With The Stars Ireland professional Kai Widdrington, six-time Latin and Ballroom National Champion in Italy and former Let’s Dance Germany professional Nikita Kuzmin, reigning South African Latin Champion Cameron Lombard and winner of BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer 2020, Jowita Przystal.
Although the 2020 series still went ahead - with a shorter schedule and a few stars forced to pull out - this autumn's return is set to be a real treat for fans.
According to head judge Shirley Ballas, during an appearance on The One Show : "Just when you thought it couldn't get better! Let me tell you..."
Shirley revealed that it will be "a show not to be missed" before later adding: "This lineup, well, hello!"
The new cast members will join the pro dancers already secured for the show: Aljaž Škorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, and Oti Mabuse.
So, ahead of the show's return let's check out the Strictly 2021 newbies...
Kai Widdrington
Southampton lad Kai, 25, has told how he's living his childhood dream after landing the gig of pro-dancer on Strictly.
But despite first hitting the dance floor aged nine, he was actually destined to follow in his father's footsteps as a pro footballer before making the switch.
He's clearly got a host of talents but his footwork saw him became the youngest World Junior Latin-American champion aged just 14.
His previous TV accolades have put him in good running for a coveted role on Strictly, after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 aged 16, and making it to the final.
Kai said: “This is my childhood dream come true. Watching Strictly from the very first series as a young boy from Southampton and now 18 years later, to be a professional dancer on the show is the most amazing feeling and the biggest accomplishment of my career. I can’t wait to step onto the Strictly floor and experience the exciting times that lie ahead.”
Kai has been a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars in Ireland since its first series in 2017.
He finished twice as Runner-up on the show in 2018 and 2020.
Nikita Kuzmin
Ukranina-born Nikita, 23, started dancing when he was just four-years-old and has experience on TV dance shows, taking part in Germany's version of Strictly, Let's Dance, in 2020.
When his family moved to Italy when he was nine, he went on to scoop up a string of titles on his road to pro dancer including six-times Italian Champion in Latin and Ballroom.
Nikita said: “I’ve always been amazed by the magic Strictly Come Dancing brings. No matter what country I have found myself living in, I’ve never missed a chance to watch it. And joining it as a professional dancer is my big chance to make some magic on the most famous dance floor. I can’t wait to give it my all!”
Cameron Lombard
Reigning South African Latin Champion Cameron, 20, is "excited beyond imagination" to secure the role of pro dancer, and promised to 'make his mark' on the show.
He took up dancing aged six and went on to win awards and titles including a staggering 18 national titles across Ballroom and Latin during his dance career.
Cameron gushed: “Thank you Strictly Come Dancing for this life changing opportunity. Not only is this a dream come true but a challenge I am accepting with both hands. I am excited beyond imagination and looking forward to leaving my mark on the dance floor!”
In 2012 he was a finalist on South Africa’s Got Talent and in 2019 he represented South Africa at the World Championships.
Jowita Przystal
26-year-old Jowita is still 'pinching herself' after landing her dream job and also being reunited with former mentor Oti Mabuse.
Jowita may be familiar to those who watched her storm to success on another BBC show, The Greatest Dancer in 2020, where she was mentored by Mabuse, who is also returning for Strictly this autumn.
Polish-born, Jowita was a competitive Ballroom dancer before joining touring dance company Burn The Floor, where she stayed for four years before moving to the UK in 2019.
Jowita said: “This is my biggest dream come true. No words can describe how I feel right now. I’m still pinching myself to check if this is real but I am beyond excited to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing family and I can’t wait to give all of my heart and soul on that dance floor!”
* Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in the autumn.
