The BBC has announced two new professional dancers joining Strictly Come Dancing for its upcoming series this autumn. American Alexis Warr and Australian Julian Caillon will make their debut when the show returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Alexis Warr, who won the US series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, becomes the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title. She has performed as a guest professional on Dancing With The Stars and toured with judge Derek Hough. Julian Caillon has danced professionally on three seasons of Australia's Dancing With The Stars and competed on So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Both have performed at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where Strictly will hold its annual special.
On joining the show, Alexis said: 'I’ve admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour.' Julian added: 'Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true.' Executive Producer Sarah James welcomed them as 'two incredible dancers with bright futures'.
The new professionals join a returning line-up including Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, and Johannes Radebe. The judging panel remains unchanged with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return as hosts. Last year's series averaged 8.8 million viewers, with a record number watching via iPlayer.
