‘Strictly’: Artem Chigvintsev, James Jordan leaving series
By Sam Rigby
Strictly Come Dancing
professionals Artem Chigvintsev and James Jordan will not feature in the upcoming series.
Former champion Artem – who joined the show in September 2010 – has decided to remain in the US to resolve his visa issues, following his recent appearance on the show’s US counterpart Dancing with the Stars.
James exits after eight series on the show, but has disputed the reasons given by the BBC in their statement.
Responding to claims he refused to take part in the new series after being offered a reduced role, he tweeted: “Do not believe everything the BBC have written in their statement.”
Meanwhile, two siblings will be participating for the first time in Strictly history, with the addition of Joanne Clifton.
Clifton joins her brother Kevin on the show. He reached the final of last year’s series with Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid.
Dancing with the Stars pro Tristan MacManus, who has previously danced with Gladys Knight and Pamela Anderson, has also joined the BBC series.
Take a look at the full professional line-up for the new series below:
Females: Aliona Vilani, Iveta Lukosiute, Janette Manrara, Joanne Clifton, Karen Hauer, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe and Ola Jordan.
Males: Aljaž Skorjanec, Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, Kevin Clifton, Pasha Kovalev, Robin Windsor and Tristan MacManus.
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