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'Strictly Come Dancing' 2019 confirms its pro-dancer line-up

Strictly (Credit: BBC)
Strictly (Credit: BBC)

The 2019 series of Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed its professional line-up for the next series, with some fan favourites and a few shake ups in store.

While rumours suggested that new series producer Sarah James would mix things up, Anton Du Beke, Katya Jones, Karen Clifton and Gorka Marquez will all be back for another series, Du Beke for his 17th.

It was also thought that Kevin Clifton was about to hand in his notice, after news that he’s set to become a judge on ITV series All Star Musicals, but he’ll be back once again, after winning for the first time last year with Stacey Dooley.

Read more: Dooley addresses Glow Up criticism

AJ Pritchard, Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Giovanni Pernice, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Nadiya Bychkova and Oti Mabuse will all be back too.

It’s hoped that this year Neil Jones, who is signed up once again, will get a partner too this year, the husband of Katya Jones, who found himself splashed across the tabloids after Katya was snapped by paparazzi kissing her partner, comedian Seann Walsh, on last year’s series.

Neil Jones (Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Neil Jones (Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Jones has never landed a celebrity partner on the show, instead appearing in the group numbers and as an understudy, as well as a few skits between dances (notably his alter-ego Nell de Jaunse)

He’ll be joined by Luba Mushtuk and Johannes Radebe, who both started last year.

As previously announced, Pasha Kovalev has bowed out after eight years on the show.

Read more: Voice contestant Janice Freeman dies at 33

He told fans in February: “After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching 4 finals and lifting 1 glitter ball, it’s time for me to find a new challenge and so I’ve decided to make last year – my final season on Strictly.

“I’ve had 8 fantastic years, full of wonderful memories, thanks to the incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.”