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Post by ManicKangaroo on Jun 1, 2013 23:49:53 GMT 1
A group of new professional dancers will be introduced to Strictly Come Dancing when the next series begins.
Producers have announced four of the existing group will be leaving the programme.
One of them, Erin Boag, has been on the show since it began in 2004.
Aliona Vilani, Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone will also not return.
In a statement the BBC said they were all leaving "to focus on their careers outside of Strictly and for professional reasons".
Boag has danced with Olympic medalist Colin Jackson and impressionist Rory Bremner.
She said: "After 10 wonderful years, and with a truly heavy heart, I have decided to decline the BBC's very kind offer to compete again in series 11"
"It's been so much fun making new friends, meeting wonderful people, and of course being partnered with such lovely celebrities year after year. I'm going to miss spending so much time with my amazing fellow professional dancers - it's true what they say, Strictly really is just like a great big family!
"It's been a very hard decision to make, but it's time for a change and to focus my attention on new challenges. That said, it's not necessarily farewell to Strictly, as I do hope to continue being a part of the show."
Dance partners Cacace and Simone said they would take part in the show's Christmas special, also describing themselves as being "part of the family".
Cacace, who won last year's series with gymnast Louis Smith and is engaged to former Strictly contestant Jimi Mistry, said: "After an incredible and unforgettable 2012 on Strictly Come Dancing for both Vincent and I, we have decided we won't be partnering a celebrity on this year's show. However we look forward to continuing to perform on our favourite show and remain a part of the family including partnering a celebrity in the Christmas Special."
The BBC said the pair would also perform tango routines on the 2013 series of Strictly, to be televised this autumn.
Iveta Lukosiute, who stood in for Vilani on last year's Strictly and danced with TV presenter Johnny Ball, will be joining the show on a permanent basis.
British-born Emma Slater, who appeared in musical film Mamma Mia!, is another newcomer.
She said: "I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to join Strictly, it's such an honour.
"One of the first things I thought of was my mum - she's going to be over the moon!"
Slovenian dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, and Janette Manrara, who is a dancer in TV series Glee will be the other new faces.
Strictly Come Dancing returns for its 11th series at the end of the year.
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Thor
Member
Why can't this moment last forever more?
Posts: 22,606
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Post by Thor on Jun 2, 2013 1:49:13 GMT 1
Aliona has said it wasn't her choice to go. I'd have liked James and Ola out as well.
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Post by ManicKangaroo on Sept 2, 2013 19:40:30 GMT 1
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Aliona Vilani has replaced Natalie Lowe in this year's series.
Australian star Lowe is said to have fractured her left foot during training.
Vilani added that rehearsals with Brendan Cole as her professional partner have been "going well", and she is excited to see which celebrity she gets paired with for the series.
Lowe said that still hopes to make appearances with the professionals later in the series, along with the Christmas special.
She told The Sun: "Not being able to compete with a celebrity partner is so hard.
"But this series is going to blow everyone away and I cannot wait to get my feet back on the dance floor."
Vilani came second in 2010 with Matt Baker, and won in 2011 with Harry Judd. She said: "My heart goes out to Natalie. I wish her a speedy recovery."
Strictly returns on Saturday, September 7 on BBC One for its premiere episode, with the live shows starting later that month.
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