Strictly Come Dancing Undergoes Major Pro Dancer Shake-Up with American Signing
In a significant overhaul of its professional lineup, Strictly Come Dancing executives have reportedly secured American dance sensation D'Angelo Castro to join the show's roster. This move comes after the controversial dismissal of several long-serving professional dancers, including fan favorite Giovanni Pernice.
New Blood for the Dance Floor
The 25-year-old Castro, who has previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars in the United States, has been identified as a potential replacement for Pernice, who was removed from the BBC program in 2024 following a bullying investigation. Pernice, 35, was dismissed alongside fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima, 31, after multiple serious complaints about their conduct during training sessions. Pernice consistently denied all allegations against him.
According to industry sources, Strictly producers were impressed by Castro during his recent visit to the United Kingdom and believe he possesses all the qualities needed to become a standout performer on the popular dance competition.
Established Connections and Impressive Credentials
D'Angelo Castro appears to already have connections within the Strictly family. Recently departed professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, newcomer Alexis Warr, and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara all follow him on Instagram, suggesting existing relationships within the production.
His professional credentials extend beyond reality television. According to IMDb, Castro has appeared in musical productions including Cody Fry: Waltz for Sweatpants (2023) and World of Dance (2017). On his social media profiles, he describes himself as a "dancer, performer, and teacher" currently based in both Miami and New York City.
Fan Reactions and Online Presence
As rumors of his signing circulate, Strictly enthusiasts have expressed enthusiastic support for Castro's potential addition to the show. On Reddit, user FabulousCat7823 described him as a "great" prospective hire, while Travellinglense praised his "insane" Latin dance moves from his time as a troupe dancer on the American version of the program.
CanEnvironmental6204 enthusiastically declared they would "LOVE" to see him join the cast, and forevertrueblue exclaimed their hope that the signing materializes. Castro's online content regularly showcases his considerable dance talents through uploaded performance videos that have garnered substantial viewer praise.
Broader Changes Sweeping Strictly Come Dancing
This recruitment represents just one element of a comprehensive transformation affecting the flagship BBC program. The changes began when longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure following the 2025 Christmas special, marking the end of their historic run as primetime television's first female presenting duo.
Their exit appears to have catalyzed further alterations to the show's structure and personnel. Several popular professional dancers have confirmed they will not return for the upcoming season, including:
- Karen Hauer, who described her decision as "tough" but necessary to "close this chapter"
- Luba Mushtuk, who expressed gratitude for her decade on the program
- Michelle Tsiakkas, who claimed she was unexpectedly dropped during a brief Zoom call
- Nadiya Bychkova, who joined the show in 2017
Additionally, Spanish professional Gorka Márquez, a ten-year veteran of Strictly, has reportedly been removed from the lineup, though he has not publicly commented on the situation. Meanwhile, Neil Jones and Nancy Xu are expected to be "benched" for the upcoming season, meaning they will not be paired with celebrity contestants.
Presenter Search and Future Developments
The production team continues to search for new presenters to replace Daly and Winkleman. Chemistry tests for potential hosting pairs, originally scheduled for January, are now anticipated to occur this month. Leading candidates reportedly include:
- Zoe Ball
- Rylan Clark
- Angela Scanlon
- Emma Willis
- Fleur East
Other names in consideration include Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, and comedians Miranda Hart and Mel Giedroyc, the latter two being suggested as potential replacements for Claudia Winkleman's distinctive segments.
When approached for comment regarding these developments, a BBC spokesperson stated that plans for the new series would be revealed "in due course." The corporation has been contacted for additional information about the ongoing changes to one of Britain's most beloved television programs.
