Strictly Come Dancing's four new professionals are set to be introduced to viewers in a cinematic routine filmed alongside the returning cast.
European cup winner Vito Coppola, Chinese national champion Carlos Gu, former Under-21 British national champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas complete the show's largest-ever line-up of 20 pros this year.
They join the returning Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Cameron Lombard, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Giovanni Pernice, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.
The introductory routine will form part of the Strictly Come Dancing launch show airing on BBC One and iPlayer on 17 September.
Vito has won numerous titles around the world and is an an 11-time Latin American champion.
He is no stranger to the TV dance programmes either, winning the Italian version of Strictly last year.
Vito said: "I cannot wait to start this new adventure and to challenge myself. Strictly sto arrivando! (Strictly I am coming!)"
Carlos is also a multiple world semi-finalist and has experience in ballroom, ballet and contemporary dance.
He said: "It’s a new chapter of my life and a new challenge as well. I'm absolutely ready to take on this journey and to shine."
Birmingham-born Lauren has been the leading lady for Giovanni, who won last year's competition with actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke during their national tours.
She has been dancing since the age of two and competed in ballroom and Latin dance competitions since she was seven.
Lauren said: "I’ve grown up watching Strictly, always hoping that one day I could be part of the best show on television, doing what I love the most."
Michelle previously toured the world with ballroom theatre show Burn The Floor, which also starred former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton.
She has previously represented England at major international championships.
Michelle said being on Strictly was a "dream come true", adding: "I can’t wait to step on that magical dance floor and give it my all!"
Fifteen celebrities are taking to the dancefloor for the 20th series this year, including TV and radio presenter Helen Skelton, EastEnders actor James Bye, wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza Yassin and the X Factor star Fleur East.
Former England football captain Tony Adams, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Molly Rainford, Ted Lasso actress and comedian Ellie Taylor and the singer Matt Goss will also be putting their best foot forward.
Kiss radio host Tyler West, Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, comedian and actress Jayde Adams, actor Will Mellor, Loose Women star Kaye Adams, actress Kym Marsh and TV and radio personality Richie Anderson complete the line-up.
It is still unknown who each of the contestants will be partnered with for the new series.
READ MORE:
Strictly Come Dancing stars who paired up and had kids after Stacey and Kevin's news
Strictly favourite Giovanni Pernice looks unrecognisable in childhood photo
Adam Peaty's time on Strictly including 'almost kiss' with Katya as he splits from girlfriend Eiri
Strictly fans in tears as Rose celebrates deaf community with 'special' silent moment in dance
Rose Ayling-Ellis: ‘Winning Strictly changed deaf people's lives'
Source: Read Full Article
