Strictly pro quits as 2023 line-up announced - weeks after major star's exit

21 April 2023 , 09:39

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BREAKING Strictly pro QUITS as 2023 line-up announced - just weeks after major star's exit

Strictly has lost another one of its pro dancers this year - just weeks after Rylan Clark quit It Takes Two - as the BBC show announced its 2023 line-up today.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse will all be returning.

Pro dancers taking to the stage this year will be Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vita Coppola.

However, one pro that won't be joining them is Cameron Lombard, who has quit just two years after joining the show.

Cameron Lombard has quit Strictly (BBC/Jack Barnes)

This year's pro line-up has been announced (BBC/Guy Levy)

A Strictly spokeswoman told the Mirror: "Cameron is a fantastic performer and we have loved working with him for the past two years on Strictly.

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"He is currently pursuing other opportunities but will always be part of the family and our door will always be open to him in the future."

Cameron has not yet addressed his exit on his Instagram account and still lists himself as "BBC Strictly Professional".

He did, however, share a cryptic Instagram post yesterday as he wrote: "One day I will tell the masses the story of how I manifested this whole thing while working on myself and a million other things ."

Dave Arch will once again be returning with his back to provide live music every Saturday night. The BBC has also promised the return of beloved Blackpool Week.

All of the judges will be returning (PA)

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: “Excitement is already building for the 21st series of Strictly and we are so lucky to have the best team in the business both on and off camera. Our amazing presenters, incredible panel of judges and world class professional dancers are ready to bring the sparkle back to your screens this Autumn. We can’t wait!”

Another person missing from this year's line-up is Rylan Clark, who has quit as It Takes Two host this year. It's not clear whether he will be replaced, though his co-host Janette Manrara is due to take maternity leave.

Rylan won't be back on It Takes Two

In an emotional statement he shared earlier this month, Rylan said: "After four fantastic years it's time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two.

"I've had the best time hosting alongside Janette and Zoe and I can't thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show."

He continued: "I've been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me. The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me.

"Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart...and my dancing feet."

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Rose Hill