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.
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.
