Older Strictly pros fear they won’t get celeb partners after show signs five new dancers amid backstage ‘tension’

STRICTLY’S older pro dancers have been left concerned they will not be given celebrity partners after the show welcomed five new cast members. The fresh faces were announced after a huge cull of long-standing professionals earlier this year. Long-standing Strictly pro Katya Jones, 37, remains in the cast Credit: BBC New dancers, from left: Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi and Mark Karmalita Credit: PA And there have been some worried conversations behind the scenes after rehearsals for the upcoming BBC One series kicked off in London this month. A source said: “It’s tense at rehearsals and some of the older cast members of the pro dance troupe are worried that they won’t get their opportunity to shine this year. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “It’s more competitive and cut-throat than ever. “Like always, there are more dancers than celebrities again, so not everyone will get a partner. Plus, viewers are keen to get to know the new dancers, especially as change is the theme of the new-look show this year.” Last year, both new dancers Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon were granted celebrity partners by Strictly bosses. The BBC last month unveiled new dancers Aleksandra Isaeva, 22, Cristian Priori, 34, Lethabo Monametsi, 23, Maddie Ingoldsby, 21, and Mark Karmalita, 22, for the show. They will replace Karen Hauer, 44, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30. Some long-standing members such as Katya Jones, 37, remain in the Strictly cast. Most read in TV A Strictly source added: “The celebrity pairings will be made up of old and new pro dancers.” Comment now