Strictly Come Dancing announce surprise new professional dancer for 2019

She's brand new for this year!

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 30th Jul 2019
Last updated 30th Jul 2019

Strictly Come Dancing will be undergoing a few changes for its new series in 2019. After judge Darcey Bussell announced she was leaving the show, her replacement was announced last week as professional dancer Oti Mabuse's sister, Motsi Mabuse.

Not only that, but the judges will also be taking part in a routine, with judge Craig Revel-Horwood announcing on This Morning, "They are taking a leaf out of Australia's book, the judges will be dancing. I don't know that Shirley Ballas knows that yet but she will be. We dance with the contestants, you put yourself on the line, so to speak."

But now it's been announced that there'll also be a brand new professional dancer thrown into the mix in the form of Nancy Xu.

Fans were stunned by the shock announcement of a new dancer, with many taking to the comments to congratulate Nancy - and wish her a happy birthday! One wrote, 'Oh I'm delighted! Saw you in "Burn the floor" this year and you are fantastic! Looking forward to watching you on Strictly.'

Another added, 'Wasn't expecting that ! Welcome, Nancy - loved watching you dance in BTF, you'll be a great addition to the show! And a very Happy Birthday!'

Swipe through to see all the Strictly Come Dancing professionals for 2019...

AJ Pritchard

In 2018 AJ was partnered with Lauren Steadman.

Strictly Come Dancing announce surprise new professional dancer for 2019
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Of her new role, Nancy said, "I'm thrilled and excited! I cannot wait to start this new journey with all these amazing people and share the magic together. Thank you so much Strictly for one of the most beautiful birthday gifts ever, thank you for making my dream come true!"

The official BBC announcement also reads, 'Nancy Xu, from China, was a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance in her home country and a dancer on hit West End and Broadway show Burn The Floor.

'A specialist in Latin, Nancy was a finalist in the U21 World Championships in 2010, took third place in the 2010-2012 CBDF National Amateur Latin Championships and was a runner up at the 2013 International Singapore Championships.'

Congratulations, Nancy!

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