Strictly Come Dancing Announces 2020 Professionals, Following Kevin Clifton’s Exit

Strictly Come Dancing has announced the full line-up of professionals for this year’s series, following Kevin Clifton’s departure.

Aside from Kevin, the line-up remains the same as last year’s, with reigning champion Oti Mabuse, long-serving pro Anton Du Beke and fellow finalist Amy Dowden all set to return.

Nancy Xu, who joined Strictly last year, will also be back for a second year, as will Graziano Di Prima and Gorka Marquez, neither of whom were paired with a celebrity in 2019.

Meanwhile, Johannes Radebe, Luba Mushtuk and Neil Jones all danced with a celebrity for the first time last year, and have been confirmed to be returning to Strictly in 2020.

The cast of the Strictly: The Professionals tour in 2019, including former dancer Pasha Kovalev

The full list of dancers for this year’s series is as follows:

  • AJ Pritchard
  • Aljaž Škorjanec
  • Amy Dowden
  • Anton Du Beke
  • Dianne Buswell
  • Giovanni Pernice
  • Gorka Marquez
  • Graziano Di Prima
  • Janette Manrara
  • Johannes Radebe
  • Karen Hauer
  • Katya Jones
  • Luba Mushtuk
  • Nadiya Bychkova
  • Nancy Xu
  • Neil Jones
  • Oti Mabuse

Executive producer of BBC Studios Sarah James said: “It’s wonderful to welcome back so many talented individuals within this year’s line-up of Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers.

“They are each at the top of their game and as a cast are simply incredible. We can’t wait to see what magic they will bring to the ballroom this year.

“Strictly 2020 promises to be an unforgettable series, with more exceptional choreography and world-class dancing.”

The BBC has said more announcements about this year’s series, including the list of celebs competing, will be coming “in due course”. 

Kevin announced last week that he was leaving Strictly after seven years.

Kevin Clifton will not be returning to Strictly

He explained: “After finishing last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career.”

“Pre 2013 I used to watch every week,” Kevin added. “Now I look forward to returning to being a fan and cheering on my friends who keep dancing.”

Strictly will return to our screens for its 18th series in the autumn, following Kelvin Fletcher’s dance floor victory in December.

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