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Key events
Five more pairings about to be unveiled
Predictions welcome.
A fancy-schmancy introduction to the new signings, complete with the newcomers pros dancing underwater. Back in the studio, Julian fanboys over Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (he’s a Chelsea fan) and Vicky Pattison (he’s a Geordie Shore fan). Meanwhile, Alexis is, in short, “excited”.
The new male pro is Sydney-born Julian Caillon, 30, who’s spent three series on the Australian version of the show. He’s of French and Italian descent, has also worked as a personal trainer and has been dancing since age 10.
Meet the two new pros
Our two new professional dancers arrive in style with a sizzling poolside routine. Shirley Ballas is there and everything. Fun and sunshine, there’s enough for everyone.
The new female professional is 25-year-old Alexis Warr, who was dubbed “America’s favourite dancer” after becoming the first Latin and ballroom hoofer to win US contest So You Think You Can Dance. She later became part of the troupe on Dancing with The Stars but this will be her first series with a celebrity partner. Fun fact: she’s also a Mormon.
La Voix tells Claudia about his new partnership: “We’re iconic and blinding. I could be describing your fringe.”
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones reveal that their first dance will be a jive.
Claud asks the questions
We’re back up to the balcony of bantz. Dani Dyer and Nikita “have got this”. Chris Robshaw is “in awe” of Nadiya. He always had an Epsom Salts bath and spag bol before matches. I’m the same before liveblogging.
Ross King is weepy already. Jowita reveals that their first dance will be a cha cha cha to California Gurls by Katy Perry (tune).
It’s Chris and Nadiya!
Who will rugby star Chris Robshaw be tackling and scrummaging with? The former England rugby union captain is paired with Ukrainian pro Nadiya Bychkova. He’s the ninth rugby player to take part in Strictly but none has ever lifted the glitterball trophy. “Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the cha cha cha,” says the self-styled dad dancer.
As the tallest female pro at 5ft 7in, Nadiya was always likely to get teamed with a strapping bloke. She was first out with swimmer Tom Dean last year, so will be hoping for a slightly longer stint.
It’s La Voix and Aljaž!
The flame-haired RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist is paired with smiley Slovenian pro Aljaž Škorjanec. La Voix amusingly pretends to flounce out in fury, saying “That’s the one I said I didn’t want”, before returning all smiles. Oh, the wag.
She’s the first drag queen to take part in the main show, after Tayce won last year’s Christmas special. Real name Chris Dennis, she’s trained in musical theatre and will inevitably sport some fabulously flamboyant costumes.
Three-time finalist Aljaž returned last year after two years away and came close to the glitterball with Tasha Ghouri. He’ll fancy sashaying deep into the contest again.
It’s Dani and Nikita!
Who’ll be her type on paper? Let’s couple her up. The Love Island winner is paired with Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin. Dani’s played down her dance experience but she’s a born performer, hugely likeably and bound to get viewer votes.
Nikita came tantalisingly close to the glitterball with Layton William in 2023 and will be happy with his partner here too. Could this be his year? A couple to watch, I reckon
It’s Lewis and Katya!
Stepping in after Kristian “Hodor” Nairn withdrew for health reasons, the Emmerdale actor is paired with Russian pro Katya Jones. Late replacements have form for doing well – see Kelvin Fletcher lifting the 2019 glitterball – so County Durham-born Lewis Cope could be a dark horse. His stage school training and a teen role in the Billy Elliot musical hint at high hoofing potential.
In her 10th series, the ever-competitive Katya, one of Strictly’s most creative choreographers, will push him hard in her bid for a second win (not a second Wynne).
It’s Ross and Jowita!
From Hollywood to Borehamwood. ITV’s LA correspondent is paired with Polish pocket rocket Jowita Przystal.
At 63, he’s this year’s second oldest celebrity. Jowita can be forgiven for finding herself pining for last year’s partner Pete Wicks, pink PVC trousers included. In fact, the pair went public with their romance only last bight. She joined Wicks on stage during a live episode of his podcast Staying Relevant and they snogged on-stage. The only way is showmance.
Let the pro-celebrity pairing begin
First into the ballroom breach is Ross King. But who’ll be his Ross Queen?
One of this year’s less heralded signings, Hollywood correspondent Ross King, is proving very good value. He’s got a well-wishing VT from Lorraine Kelly (high time she did Strictly, surely?) and jokes that he’s checked the betting, noting that he’s bookies’ favourite to go out first. What a sport. But can he defy the odds?
Dani Dyer = the new Stacey Solomon. Lewis Cope has 13 siblings. It’s going to be a bunfight for those friends and family front row tickets.
Claudia grills the class of 2025
Up to the Clauditorium for some chat with the newbies. And Tess is there too, confusingly. Does not compute. Breaking news: La Voix is a total hoot.
Lewis Cope is basically a young Vernon Kay, right? Tess must be confused and conflicted.
