STRICTLY Come Dancing has signed two new dancers for the 2025 series, bringing in fresh talent after the Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima scandals.
Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon will join the BBC show later this year.
Both are familiar faces on the global Dancing With The Stars circuit and bring a wealth of performance experience to the UK version.
Alexis, 25, made a name for herself in the US when she won So You Think You Can Dance in 2022.
She was the first female ballroom and Latin specialist to take the title, earning the title of America’s Favourite Dancer.
Since then, she’s performed as a troupe member and guest pro on the American Dancing With The Stars, as well as touring with the show for the past three years.
Her credits include America’s Got Talent, World of Dance, and multiple live tours with DWTS judge Derek Hough, including his Las Vegas residency.
Over the weekend, she hinted at her new role by posting a video ahead of her flight to the UK.
Alexis has been married to dentist Jake Burton for six years and frequently shares photos of their relationship on social media.
She said: “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, who grew up in Australia, began dancing at the age of 10 and has represented his country at international level in both ballroom and Latin styles.
He’s appeared as a professional on three seasons of Dancing With The Stars Australia and has toured worldwide with Burn The Floor.
He also competed on the Australian edition of So You Think You Can Dance.
Alongside his dance career, Julian holds a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and has worked as a personal trainer.
In December, he got engaged to his girlfriend Sofia and shared a video of his beachside proposal with followers on Instagram.
He said: “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!”
The duo join a returning cast of professionals that includes Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, Amy Dowden, Nancy Xu, Karen Hauer, Jowita Przystal, Luba Mushtuk, Carlos Gu, Johannes Radebe, Lauren Oakley, Aljaž Škorjanec and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Dianne will be back after winning last year’s series with comedian Chris McCausland.
Amy, who withdrew early from the 2024 run due to a foot injury, is also confirmed to return.
Carlos and Kai Widdrington will be back as well, despite not being partnered with celebrities in the last series.
Giovanni Pernice, however, will not be returning this year.
The Italian dancer, who was previously a regular fixture on the show, was absent last year and has faced allegations relating to behaviour in the rehearsal room.
Graziano Di Prima has also left the show following a separate complaint involving Love Island’s Zara McDermott.
Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, said: “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, added: “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.”
The celebrity cast for the new season will be announced in the coming weeks.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".
