Strictly Come Dancing bosses have confirmed some exciting news for 2019, revealing that its line-up of professional dancers will all be back for more.
Well, apart from Pasha Kovalev, who announced his decision to leave last month (no, we’re still not over it).
The 17 pros confirmed for the series include 2018 winner Kevin Clifton, alongside fan favourites AJ Pritchard, Oti Mabuse, Aljaž Škorjanec and Karen Clifton.
Veteran star Anton Du Beke will also be back, as will (deep breath needed) Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Gorka Marquez, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Johannes Radebe, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova and Neil Jones.
Phew. That’s a lot of dancers.
They won’t all be paired up with celebrities this summer though.
While the BBC are yet to confirm who will be getting a partner and who won’t, last year’s series saw Johannes, Luba and Neil working on the group dances and popping up in the final stages, rather than featuring full-time.
Bosses have also confirmed that choreographer Jason Gilkison will also be back, with executive producer Sarah James stating: “Strictly 2019 promises to continue to wow viewers with unforgettable performances as we welcome this dazzling line up of pros back to the ballroom.”
After eight years in the Strictly ballroom, Pasha announced he would not be returning last month.
In his farewell statement, he thanked his “incredible partners, [the] professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is”.
“The biggest thanks go to all the members of the public who’ve supported me so much over these years,” he added. “I look forward to seeing you on the Strictly Pro-Tour this spring, and for many future adventures to come!”
There are still a few months to go before the 2019 celebrity contestant announcements begin, but stars rumoured to be taking part include two Radio 2 DJs, a newsreader and even a member of the Royal Family.