Rehearsals Begin for Strictly Series 24
Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals for the 24th series are officially under way ahead of the show's return to the BBC later this year. The beloved professionals, including Amy Dowden, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu, Dianne Buswell, Lauren Oakley and Alexis Warr, were photographed heading into a London dance studio.
Newcomers and Axed Pros
Making their on-screen debut will be recently announced newcomers Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi and Aleksandra Isaeva. They join after Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk were axed earlier this year.
Dianne Buswell Returns from Maternity Leave
Dianne Buswell made a major return to rehearsals, marking the end of maternity leave after welcoming her first child, Bowden Sugg, in March. The dancer has kept fans updated with motherhood struggles and photos of her son, whom she shares with boyfriend Joe Sugg.
Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola Back
Lauren Oakley is also making a comeback after she and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink became the fourth couple to exit the 2025 series. Vito Coppola appeared excited to be walking into rehearsals, dressed in comfy clothes, after announcing a 17-date UK tour with Dianne Buswell in 2027.
Alexis Warr Returns with New Look
Alexis Warr, who finished as joint runner-up in the 2025 final with YouTuber George Clarke, showed off a new short bob hairstyle. She is taking on the new series freshly divorced, having announced her separation from her husband of eight years in July, saying: "After much consideration and with the greatest respect for each other, Jake and I have made the decision to separate. Whilst this hasn't been an easy decision, it has been reached with a huge amount of love, and we're each other's biggest cheerleaders."
