Strictly Come Dancing Welcomes New Stars Amid Nostalgic Reminiscing

Strictly Come Dancing, the popular BBC dance competition, is gearing up for its next season with the announcement of returning professional dancers. This comes as fans reflect on the show’s rich history, marked by both joyful performances and poignant farewells.

The upcoming series, set to air later this year, will feature a mix of familiar faces, including Amy Dowden, Aljaž Škorjanec, and Dianne Buswell. Joining them are Gorka Márquez, Nikita Kuzmin, and several others, alongside two new dancers yet to be revealed. As anticipation builds for the new line-up, the show’s legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Reflecting on Past Professionals

Since its debut in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has seen numerous professionals come and go. One of the original cast members, Brendan Cole, left the show in 2018, expressing his shock at the BBC’s decision. During an interview with Lorraine Kelly, he stated, “I’m a little bit in shock at the moment. I’m quite emotional and a bit raw about it. I am very disappointed.” Brendan, who participated in 15 series, has since taken part in several reality shows and is currently touring with “The Return of the Legends,” alongside fellow former contestants.

Another notable figure, Robin Windsor, joined the show in its eighth series in 2010 but exited in 2013 due to a back injury. Tragically, he passed away earlier this year at the age of 44. His talent and vibrant spirit were commemorated in a heartfelt statement from Sisco Entertainment, which represented him, highlighting his impact as both a performer and a friend.

Ola Jordan, who made her debut in 2006, remained a part of the show until 2015. Following her time on Strictly, she served as a judge on the Polish version of “Dancing with the Stars” and has made various television appearances, sharing insights into her family life on social media.

Current Stars and Future Aspirations

Vincent Simone, another beloved dancer from the show, was a staple from 2006 to 2012. He later participated in “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” and continues to tour internationally. Recently, Vincent expressed a desire to return to the BBC programme, stating, “Now that my children are grown up, I feel like I have more time. I would love to take the challenge again.”

Giovanni Pernice, who joined the series in 2015, left in 2024 amid controversies involving a former partner. Despite the challenges, Giovanni has remained connected with the Strictly community, presenting a programme with judge Anton Du Beke and achieving success in the Italian version of the show, “Ballando con le Stelle.”

Camilla Dallerup, an original professional dancer, has transitioned from the dance floor to a career as a life coach and hypnotherapist. Her journey from Strictly to coaching reflects a broader trend among former contestants, who continue to influence audiences in diverse ways.

As Strictly Come Dancing prepares for its next season, viewers can look forward to both new talent and fond memories of past participants. The show’s ability to blend nostalgia with fresh performances remains a cornerstone of its enduring appeal.