STRICTLY COME DANCING ANNOUNCES TWO NEW PROFESSIONAL DANCERS FOR UPCOMING SERIES

The BBC has announced the two brand-new Professional Dancers who will be joining Strictly Come Dancing when the hit series, made by BBC Studios Entertainment, returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.

American-born Alexis Warr is best known for winning US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as ‘America’s Favourite Dancer’, becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title.

She has performed as a guest Professional Dancer and in the dance troupe on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and has been part of the series' accompanying US tour for the past three years. Alexis has also danced on America's Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States - including three with Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough, in addition to his Las Vegas residency.

Australian-born Julian Caillon has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going on to represent Australia on the international stage.

He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, has toured the globe with hit dance show Burn The Floor, and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia. Julian has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and, alongside his dance career, has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist. Julian is a keen athlete, and 2025 has so far seen him complete two triathlons.

Both Alexis and Julian have also previously danced at the World-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom, where Strictly will return later this series for its much-anticipated Blackpool special.

Alexis and Julian join Strictly's hugely popular returning Professional Dancers: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

Alongside Alexis and Julian they'll take to the floor each week in unforgettable group routines, which alongside world class music acts, theme weeks and Strictly’s annual trip to Blackpool, promises viewers another spectacular series of the nation’s favourite dance show.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Alexis Warr says: "I’ve admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can’t wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.”

Julian Caillon says: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I’ve watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can’t wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! "

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: “We’ve been big fans of Alexis and Julian for some time so it’s with great excitement that we now welcome them both to the Strictly family. They’re two incredible dancers with bright futures ahead of them, and we know viewers are going to love getting to know them both.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “Alexis and Julian are the perfect additions to Strictly, and we can’t wait for you to see them light up the ballroom this autumn. With our fantastic Professional Dancers plus everything else we love about Strictly, the new series promises to be bigger, better and even more glitter-packed than ever before.” 

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas all return to the judging panel, with recent MBE recipients Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman back on hosting duties. 

Listen to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills for an exclusive first interview with Alexis and Julian tomorrow, Monday 28 July, shortly after 8am.