{"id":13119,"date":"2022-03-31T17:31:18","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T15:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1618875"},"modified":"2022-03-31T17:47:19","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T15:47:19","slug":"strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers\/","title":{"rendered":"Strictly Come Dancing professionals line-up: Meet the 2022 dancers"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Helen Daly\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 31 March 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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There\u2019s all change to the Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> 2022 professionals line-up, with long-standing dancer Aljaz Skorjanec having officially quit the BBC series<\/a>.<\/p>\n

His wife, Janette Manrara, quit last year, so it is little surprise Aljaz followed suit.<\/p>\n

At the moment there\u2019s little word on who will be stepping onto the dance floor to fill his place, but it\u2019s likely Cameron Lombard, a newbie in 2021, could step up to the main line-up and get a celebrity this year.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s not all, Oti Mabuse announced earlier in the year that she wouldn\u2019t be returning to Strictly<\/a>. As above, her replacement hasn\u2019t been announced so it could be a good time for Jowita Pryztal to take her place\u2026<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll be sure to keep this page updated with any news on the pro line-up, but until then, meet the Strictly Come Dancing professionals who\u00a0have<\/em> been confirmed for the 2022 series.<\/p>

Strictly Come Dancing professionals line-up: Meet 2022 dancers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kai Widdrington<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Kai (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Instagram: <\/strong>@kaiwidd<\/a><\/p>\n

Twitter: <\/strong>@Kaiwidd<\/a><\/p>\n

Kai is World Junior Latin American Champion 2010 and a former Dancing With The Stars Ireland professional. He has previously featured in group numbers and toured with a number of the current Strictly pros.<\/p>\n

He was previously partnered with AJ Odudu, and was guaranteed a place in the finale in 2021 had she not sustained an injury. A great start for a new pro \u2013 can he improve his position in 2022?<\/p>\n

Nikita Kuzmin<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Nikita (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Instagram: <\/strong>@nikita__kuzmin<\/a><\/p>\n

Nikita joins Strictly from Germany\u2019s Let\u2019s Dance and is a six-time Latin and Ballroom National Champion in Italy.<\/p>\n

He was partnered with Tilly Ramsay in the 2021 Strictly season who came sixth, and will no doubt be up for getting a partner once again.<\/p>\n

Cameron Lombard<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Cameron (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Instagram: <\/strong>@cameronkylelombard<\/a><\/p>\n

Cameron is the reigning South African Latin Champion, and he\u2019s up for the challenge in the UK.<\/p>\n

Sadly Cameron wasn\u2019t given a celebrity partner in 2021, but with Aljaz parting ways with the show, Strictly 2022 could be his season\u2026<\/p>\n

Jowita Przystal<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Jowita (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Instagram: <\/strong>@jowitaprzystal<\/a><\/p>\n

Jowita, who won the BBC\u2019s The Greatest Dancer last year, was the Polish Open Latin Champion in 2014.<\/p>\n

Like Cameron, Jowita also didn\u2019t get a partner for the 2021 season and with Oti Mabuse out, she could be lucky this year.<\/p>\n

Amy Dowden<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Amy (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @dowden_amy<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> amy_dowden<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

British national champion Amy Dowden grew up watching Strictly from her native Wales, finally achieving her dream of joining the show in 2017. Amy was paired with Danny John-Jules in 2018 when the Red Dwarf actor was accused by the tabloids of \u201cbullying\u201d her<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 allegations he\u00a0strenuously denied.<\/a> Amy encountered less controversy in 2019 when she reached the final with CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual<\/a>. She was partnered with JJ Chalmers<\/a> in 2020, but unfortunately, they only made it to Week Seven. In 2021, she danced with McFly\u2019s Tom Fletcher \u2013 the pair came seventh.<\/p>\n

Dianne Buswell<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Dianne (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @dbuzz6589<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> diannebuswell<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

Australian Open Champion Dianne Buswell honed her skills on Strictly Come Dancing down under before joining the British edition in 2017. She was eliminated third with radio DJ Dev Griffin in 2019 but had better luck the year before when she reached the final with vlogger Joe Sugg.<\/p>\n

Dianne and Joe been dating ever since and even launched their joint YouTube channel<\/a>, In The Pan.<\/p>\n

In 2020, she was partnered with Max George, but they only made it to Week Four. Dianne was forced to stop competing a little earlier than planned with her celeb partner Robert Webb, who had to withdraw in Week Four citing medical reasons.<\/p>\n

Giovanni Pernice<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Giovanni (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @pernicegiovann1<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> pernicegiovann1<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> Season 19 (Rose Ayling-Ellis)<\/p>\n

Italian stallion Giovanni Pernice won the Italian Championships in 2012, before joining the Strictly professional line-up in 2015. He\u2019s reached the final an impressive three times \u2013 with\u00a0 Georgia May Foote, Debbie McGee and Faye Tozer. Last year, he made it to Week Eight with Good Morning Britain star Ranvir Singh<\/a>. He stormed to victory in 2021 with his partner Rose Ayling-Ellis.<\/p>\n

Oh, and he\u2019s also the Guinness World Record holder for Jive kicks and flicks, as well as Charleston swivels \u2013 the more you know.<\/p>\n

Gorka Marquez<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Gorka (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @gorkamarquez1<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> gorka_marquez<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

Spanish dancing sensation Gorka Marquez is back for another shot at the Glitterball trophy after coming runner up with Alexandra Burke in 2017. While he didn\u2019t win the competition he did win the heart of contestant Gemma Atkinson \u2013 the two welcomed baby Mia in July 2019 and danced together in the 2019 Christmas Special<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In 2020, Gorka made it all the way to the finals with EastEnders actress Maisie Smith<\/a> \u2013 however, they just missed out on the Glitterball as Bill was crowned the 2020 winner. He came 14th with Katie McGlynn in 2021.<\/p>\n

Graziano Di Prima<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Graziano (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @GrazianoDiPrima<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> grazianodiprima<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

Sicilian-born Graziano Di Prima took a year off in 2019, after partnering with radio presenter Vick Hope in 2018. He didn\u2019t actually have a celebrity partner in 2019 or 2020 but did perform as part of the professional dance routines which take place every Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n

In 2021, Graziano was paired with Judi Love \u2013 the pair came 10th after winning lots of fans with their saucy Samba.<\/p>\n

Asides from Strictly, Di Prima made the top 24 at the Under 21 Latin World Championships, and also toured the world with his dance company Burn The Floor.<\/p>\n

Johannes Radebe<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Johannes (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @jojo_radebe<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> johannesradebe<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

Two-time Professional South African Latin Champion Johannes Radebe reached the final of Strictly South Africa twice and joined the British edition in 2018. He was given his first celebrity partner Catherine Tyldesley<\/a> in 2019 but was eliminated in week six. In 2020, he was partnered with actress Caroline Quentin<\/a>, but unfortunately, they only made it to Week Five in the competition. He did a lot better in 2021 when he was paired with runner-up, John Whaite.<\/p>\n

Karen Hauer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Karen (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @karen_hauer<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> karenhauer<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

The longest-serving female professional on Strictly, Professional World Mambo Champion Karen Hauer has had memorable partnerships with celebrities such as Jeremy Vine, Mark Wright and Charles Venn. She came tantalisingly close to the Glitterball Trophy when she reached the final with Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing<\/a> in 2020. In 2021, she came 12th with her partner, Greg Wise.<\/p>\n

Katya Jones<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Katya (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @Mrs_katjones<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> mrs_katjones<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> Season 15 (Joe McFadden)<\/p>\n

World Professional Latin Showdance Champion Katya Jones has had many memorable moment on Strictly, from dancing to Gangnam Style with Ed Balls to winning with Joe McFadden in 2017. The then-married Katya caused controversy when she was photographed kissing partner Sean Walsh<\/a> in 2018, though had a quieter 2019 with BBC Breakfast\u2019s Mike Bushell<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Katya was part of the show\u2019s first-ever same-sex pairing in 2020 when she danced with boxer Nicola Adams<\/a>.<\/p>\n

She teamed up with Olympic champ Adam Peaty in 2021, but the pair only managed to come ninth.<\/p>\n

Luba Mushtuk<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Luba (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @LubaMushtuk<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> lubamushtuk<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

Four-time winner of the Italian Dance Championship, Luba Mushtuk was an assistant choreographer on the show for several years before finally being given celebrity partner James Cracknell<\/a> in 2019. Unfortunately, they were voted first. She managed to get a little further in 2020 when she was partnered with Jason Bell, however, only made it to Week Three. Luba didn\u2019t get a partner in 2021.<\/p>\n

Nadiya Bychkova<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Nadiya (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @NadiyaBychkova<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> nadiyabychkova<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

A two-time World Champion and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin \u201810\u2019 Dance, Ukrainian-born Nadiya Bychkova is back for her fifth year on the show. She has partnered with Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan and David James<\/a>, with whom she was eliminated fifth.<\/p>\n

Nadiya performed a little better with Dan Walker, coming in a respectable fifth place in 2021.<\/p>\n

Nancy Xu<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Nancy (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter:<\/strong> @Nancy_xuxi<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> nancy_xuxi<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

A new addition in 2019, Nancy Xu performed in the group numbers and was partnered with Eastenders actor Rudolph Walker in the Children in Need Special. Xu was a finalist in So You Think You Can Dance in her home country of China, and was a finalist in the U21 World Championships in 2010. The pro dancer teamed up with Rhys Stephenson in 2021 and came in fourth.<\/p>\n

Neil Jones<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Strictly Come Dancing: Neil (BBC)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Twitter: <\/strong>@Mr_NJones<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram:<\/strong> mr_njonesofficial<\/a><\/p>\n

Won:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n

World Professional Latin Showdance Champion Neil Jones has won 45 titles around the world during his competitive career, though is yet to claim that of Strictly Come Dancing champion. After acting as a stand-in for several years, Neil got a celebrity partner in 2019 and reached the fifth place with professional footballer Alex Scott. He wasn\u2019t given a celeb partner in 2020, but teamed up with Nina Wadia in 2021 \u2013 the pair were eliminated first, unfortunately.<\/p>\n

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One later this year. If you\u2019re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide<\/a> or visit our Entertainment<\/a> hub for all the latest news.<\/strong><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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By Helen Daly Published: Thursday, 31 March 2022 at 12:00 am There\u2019s all change to the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 professionals line-up, with long-standing dancer Aljaz Skorjanec having officially quit the BBC series. His wife, Janette Manrara, quit last year, so it is little surprise Aljaz followed suit. At the moment there\u2019s little word on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":13120,"template":"","categories":[1,5],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2022\/03\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers-scaled.jpg",2560,1754,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2022\/03\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2022\/03\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers-300x206.jpg",300,206,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2022\/03\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers-768x526.jpg",768,526,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2022\/03\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers-1024x701.jpg",800,548,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2022\/03\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers-1536x1052.jpg",1536,1052,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2022\/03\/strictly-come-dancing-professionals-line-up-meet-the-2022-dancers-2048x1403.jpg",2048,1403,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Helen Daly Published: Thursday, 31 March 2022 at 12:00 am There\u2019s all change to the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 professionals line-up, with long-standing dancer Aljaz Skorjanec having officially quit the BBC series. His wife, Janette Manrara, quit last year, so it is little surprise Aljaz followed suit. At the moment there\u2019s little word on…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/13119"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}