Strictly’s Dianne Buswell gives a first look at rehearsals for this year’s series as she poses alongside new dancers Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas
Dianne Buswell has given the first glimpse of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals, which started this week.
The professional dancer, 33, posted several snaps with her co-stars in the studio after working on the new series on Monday.
In one photo, Dianne posed alongside new Strictly dancers Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas, who are joining the show for the first time this year.
They are back! Dianne Buswell has given the first look at this year’s Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals, which kicked off this week (pictured with Michelle Tsiak, Lauren Oakley, Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima).
Also on hand were returning artists Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima, who helped make the newcomers feel welcome.
Alongside the post, Dianne wrote: “Welcome beautiful ladies to @bbcstrictly.”
The star also shared a group photo of this year’s dancers Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nancy Xu, Amy Dowden, Lauren, Jowita Przystal, Michelle, Nadiya Bychkova and Katya Jones.
Also at the show this year are European Cup winner Vito Coppola and Chinese national champion Carlos Gu.
Positive: The star also shared a group photo of this year’s dancers Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nancy Xu, Amy Dowden, Lauren, Jowita Przystal, Michelle, Nadiya Bychkova and Katya Jones
They join Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe and Kai Widdrington.
It comes as AJ Pritchard has warned Strictly pros the new arrivals could pose a threat.
Four new professional dancers have joined the line-up, meaning a total of 20 are ready to bring their skills to the BBC show’s dance floor later this year.
And the former Strictly star, 27, revealed he knows two of the new dancers and spoke about how “competitive” they are.
Rehearsals: The professional dancer posted several snaps with her co-stars in the studio after working on the new series on Monday
AJ, who left in 2020, told the Sunday Mirror: “I know Lauren and Carlos – because he was tutored by one of my teachers so it’s exciting.
“I used to compete against Lauren. I think a fresh buzz might be interesting. I think everyone who dances is competitive. It will be interesting to see who becomes a partner and who doesn’t. This is the waiting game.”
Show favorites Alijaz Skorjanec and Oti Mabuse both left Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year.
New faces: The four new world-class dancers who complete this year’s professional troupe are European Cup winner Vito Coppola, China national champion Carlos Gu, former British U21 national champion Lauren and Latin American champion Michelle
Not every pro dancer is paired with a celebrity, as four traditionally only appear in the pro routines.
The upcoming series will be the first in three years to air without Covid measures, which has forced bosses to introduce restrictions including “bubbles” for training and limited viewership.
The celebrity contenders will not be confirmed until later in the year with the latest rumours, including Channel 4 presenter Steph McGovern, Coronation Street star Kym Marsh and former footballer Tony ‘Donkey’ Adams.
Strictly Come Dancing returns this autumn for its 20th series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Warning: AJ Pritchard has warned Strictly Come Dancing Professionals the newcomers could pose a threat