Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas told viewers to "fasten your seatbelts" after the BBC show confirmed that two new professional dancers will be joining the team.
Later this year, the new series of the hit dancing show will be returning to our screens as a new set of celebrities take on the ballroom in the hopes of winning the Glitterball trophy.
It was Dianne Buswell and comedian Chris McCausland who lifted the trophy last year, making Chris the first blind contestant to firstly participate on the show, and win.
While most of the professional dancers are set to return in the autumn, the BBC announced that there will be two newbies joining the cast.
American-born Alexis Warr and Australian-born Julian Caillon are confirmed as the two dancers taking on the competition.
Both Alexis and Julian have years of experience, with both of them appearing on Dancing With The Stars from their respective countries - America and Australia.
Upon joining the BBC cast, Alexis 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 added: "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 following professional dancers will be returning: 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.
Shirley Ballas took over as Head Judge on Strictly after Len Goodman stepped down from the role in 2017, six years before his death.
Taking to her Instagram, Shirley posted the two new dancers and wrote: "I just got even more excited for @bbcstrictly… welcome to the family @alexis_warr & @julian_caillon
"Congratulations to both of you. Get ready for the journey of a lifetime. You are both already an absolute credit to our show. Talented, intelligent and total superstars in your own right."To all at home, I’ve witnessed their dancing. From So You Think You Can Dance, to Dancing With The Stars, to the competition floor… they are extraordinary in all they do.
"This is going to be the season of all seasons. Two brand new professionals, lots of twists and turns and a star cast. You’ve got to fasten your seatbelts… it’s never too early for a ten from Shirley I guess. See you soon. My tiny shoes are waiting.. x".
