Latin dancer Nancy Xu has joined the professional line-up for the new series of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing. The 28-year-old will become the show's first Chinese dancer when she replaces the outgoing Pasha Kovalev in series 17, which begins in September.
Xu was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance in her home country and has also performed in the West End and Broadway show Burn The Floor. Reacting to the news on Tuesday, she said she was 'thrilled and excited' and described it as 'one of the most beautiful birthday gifts ever'.
Xu will perform alongside fellow professionals including Anton du Beke, Katya Jones and Kevin Clifton. 'I cannot wait to start this new journey with all these amazing people and share the magic together,' she said online.
Her appointment follows the departure of Kovalev, who announced he was leaving the show earlier this year. Last week, it was announced that Motsi Mabuse will replace Dame Darcey Bussell on the judging panel. Motsi's younger sister Oti will also be among the show's professional dancers.
