Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Meet the professional dancers

Dianne Buswell has been a mainstay on Strictly since 2017. Last year, the Australian star narrowly missed out on the coveted Glitterball, coming in third place alongside her partner and EastEnders star, Bobby Brazier. Could 2024 be her year?

Nadiya Bychkova joined Strictly in 2017, and while she wasn't given a partner in 2023, the Ukrainian dancer couldn't be more excited to compete again. As of July, Naidya has been back in rehearsals with her co-stars, and she's already promised an "amazing" series. 

Fans couldn't be more excited to welcome Amy Dowden. The dancer, who revealed her breast cancer diagnosis last year, was unable to compete in series 21, but after announcing that she's in the process of recovery, Amy is making a triumphant comeback. "I can't wait to be back doing what I love most in the world, dancing! Feel blessed and more excited than EVER. Bring it on!" she told fans in June. 

Karen Hauer is Strictly's longest-serving female pro after signing on to the series in 2012. She's made it to the semi-finals several times, so who knows, maybe the Glitterball is coming her way this year?

Katya Jones is ready for her 9th year on the show. Back in 2017, the dancer took first place alongside Joe McFadden but is yet to mark her second victory in the ballroom. 

Neil has been a part of the Strictly family since 2016. Last year, he missed out on a celebrity partner so we're excited to see who he's paired up with for 2024. 

Nikita Kuzmin is one to watch! Partnered with West End star Layton Williams in 2023, the pair became firm favourites and scored the first 40 of the series. While they ultimately came in second place, fans haven't forgotten just how talented Nikita is when it comes to choreography. 

Gorka Marquez joined Strictly in 2016. The Spanish dancer and his partner, Nikita Kanda, were eliminated from week two of the competition last year, but fans are hoping to see more of him in 2024. 

Luba Mushtuk officially joined Strictly in 2018 but has served as an assistant choreographer on the series since 2016. She came in 9th place with her partner, Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas in series 21. 

A member of the Strictly line-up since 2021, a year later Jowita Przystal lifted the Glitterball trophy alongside wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin. Will she reclaim her title as Strictly champion this year? 

Johannes Radebe made his mark on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa before joining the UK version in 2018. In 2021, Johannes then made history as part of Strictly's first-ever all-male partnership alongside Great British Bake Off winner, John Waite.

Kai Widdrington joined Strictly in 2021, and that same year sailed through to the finals with presenter AJ Odudu, before coming in third. While he is yet to win the flagship series, the English dancer previously took first place in 2022's Christmas Special. 

A specialist in Latin, Nancy Xu will mark her 5th anniversary on Strictly this year. The dancer and choreographer has made it to the semi-finals twice – namely in 2021 with Rhys Stephenson, and in 2022 with Will Mellor. 

Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu made his Strictly debut in 2022. Boasting an impressive track record, that same year he came in second with actress Molly Rainford, and in 2023, narrowly missed out on the quarter-finals with Angela Scanlon. 

Lauren Oakley was paired with her first celebrity partner in 2023 – broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy – before coming in 8th. We're excited to see what she has in store for her sophomore year. 

Michelle Tsiakkas signed on to the series in 2022 but is yet to receive a celebrity partner. "Being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has been my dream ever since I was a little girl," she said upon joining. "I cannot believe my dream has come true! I'm so grateful to be joining this incredible family and I can't wait to step on that magical dance floor and give it my all!"

For the first time ever, Vito Coppola competed for the Glitterball in 2022, making it all the way to the final alongside Fleur East. In his second year on the show, Vito and his partner, Ellie Leach, were crowned champions. The question is: can he do it again?