Strictly Come Dancing professionals confirmed for 2020 series
Kevin Clifton has quit the show
Just days after Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton announced he's quit the show, BBC bosses have now unveiled the 17 professionals dancers taking part in the 2020 series, which is expected to arrive later this year.
Despite Kevin leaving, viewers will be excited to see all of the other Strictly favourites returning, including AJ Pritchard, Anton Du Beke, Gorka Márquez and last year's winner Oti Mabuse.
Check out all of the 2020 Strictly Come Dancing professionals below:
Kai Widdrington
Cameron Lombard
Nikita Kuzmin
Jowita Przystal
Amy Dowden
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.
Giovanni Pernice
Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice is the longest-serving male professional on the current line-up of Strictly pros, having joined the show in 2015. He lifted the Glitterball with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis back in 2021 and was most recently paired with presenter Richie Anderson.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.
Johannes Radebe
Karen Hauer
Katya Jones
Graziano Di Prima
Luba Mushtuk
Nadiya Bychkova
Nancy Xu
Neil Jones
Carlos Gu
Michelle Tsiakkas
Vito Coppola
Lauren Oakley
Speaking after the announcement, Sarah James, Executive Producer at the BBC Studios, 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.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Clifton announced he was leaving the show after seven years, telling fans on social media, 'To the entire Strictly family, The past 7 years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life. I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special.'
He added, 'Since first being called ‘Kevin From Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of 5 finals, winning a Guinness World record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley. 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.
'I want to thank all of the pros for inspiring me every day as well as all of my celebrity partners. The whole team behind the scenes have made always made the Strictly family what it is and the loveliest show to work for.
'Thank you to anyone who has ever voted for me and my partners. It means the world. And a special thank you to Jason Gilkison for always believing in me.'
Although no celebrities have been announced for the 2020 series, there's a lot of rumours flying around. Check out the 2020 rumoured Strictly Come Dancing line-up right here.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later in the year.