Strictly Come Dancing is returning to the BBC this September with a new presenting trio and a fresh professional lineup, but the announcement of the new "fab five" has sparked an ageism row after it emerged that most of the newcomers are in their early 20s.
For the first time ever, the show will feature three hosts: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. They replace long-standing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
The new 'fab five'
The new professional dancers are British-born Maddie Ingoldsby, Canadian-native Mark Karmalita, 22, Aleksandra Isaeva, 22, South African star Lethabo Monametsi, 23, and Cristian. The new "fab five" hail from the UK, Canada, Italy, South Africa and Ukraine.
The lineup is a striking contrast to the ages of the dancers who have left the show.
Backstage reaction
A source told The Sun that some longstanding professionals have found the shake-up difficult, saying: "At the first pro rehearsals that happened this week, everyone was very welcoming and smiley, but it's fair to say it's been hard for some of the longstanding pros. They are extremely loyal to their departing friends...they know it's partly the way the industry is, and everthing needs to be refreshed, but a lot of Strictly fans are an older audience anyway, so it seems odd to always be chasing youth."
The source added: "It's made quite a few of the pros who are mid-30s wonder if they will be out the door next."
Another insider believed that professional dancers often retire early, just like athletes. A viewer expressed: "Dancers know they have a limited amount of time in their proefession. They are on per series contract. This is just hearsay."
BBC responds
A BBC spokesperson said: "This story is based on pure conjecture."
Jo Wallace, Senior Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment, said: "It’s so exciting to welcome the brilliantly talented Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark. As if the return of Strictly wasn't shaping up to be fab-u-lous enough already, they're five more reasons why the new series is not to be missed."
Sarah James, the show's executive producer, praised the new dancers as "all outstanding world class dancers", adding: "We can't wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September."
