Matthew Cutler won't be back fulltime, choosing instead to focus on his choreography and teaching career, but may make occasional guest appearances. Brian Fortuna won't be back, and (most disappointingly) Lilia Kopylova is hanging up her sequins after six years, but hasn't ruled out a few guest turns.
Three new male dancers have also been announced: Artem Chigvintsev (Latin champion from America's So You Think You Can Dance), Jared Murillo (an American dancer from High School Musical) and Robin Windsor (star of ballroom show Burn The Floor).
Existing favourites returning are: Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Vincent Simone, Ola Jordan, Flavia Cacace, Erin Boag, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe, Aliona Vilani and Katya Virshilas.
But the most interesting new development for the show is the decision to only pay celebrities based on how far they progress in the competition. That's a marvelous idea, because it gives celebs more of an incentive to put in the training and want to win. I don't think the show's had many truly lazy celebs involved, but it was always a bit sickening when an expensive booking was voted off after a few weeks but pocketed upwards of £50,000 for their appearance. Paying the celebs incrementally every week is a welcome change that will save cash while also boosting the sense of competition.
No celebrities have been confirmed yet, but names being bandied around include: Ann Widdecombe (politician), Gavin Henson (rugby player), Nathalie Emmanuel (actress), Sophie Anderton (model), Felicity Kendal (actress), Patsy Kensit (actress) and Frank Bruno (former boxer).
Strictly Come Dancing will return in the Autumn on BBC1/HD.
