Introduction to New Professional Dancers
The BBC has announced two new professional dancers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who will join the Strictly Come Dancing lineup when it returns to screens in autumn. Alongside 18 returning professional dancers, they will be part of the BBC One show. Warr, born in America, and Caillon, born in Australia, bring their unique experiences and skills to the show.
Background of the New Dancers
Warr won the US dance series "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2022 and has performed as a guest professional dancer and in the dance troupe of "Dancing with the Stars," the US version of Strictly. Caillon, on the other hand, has performed as a professional dancer in three seasons of the Australian version of "Dancing with the Stars." Interestingly, Caillon is also a former personal trainer and has completed two triathlons this year.
Excitement and Honor
Both Warr and Caillon have expressed their excitement and honor at joining the Strictly Come Dancing family. Warr stated, "I have been a huge fan of Strictly for years, so it is such an honor to join this incredible family." Caillon added, "I have watched it for years, especially when I have all the amazing dancers I know and work with." They will be interviewed on Monday morning about their new roles on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.
Returning Judges and Hosts
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas will return as judges, along with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The BBC added that the celebrity lineup for the series will be announced later in the year.
Recent Controversies
The show has faced several controversies in the past year, including allegations of inappropriate behavior by some of its professional dancers and prominent guests. Professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima left the show last year after allegations of their behavior towards their dance partners. In response, the BBC announced new welfare measures in July, including chaperones in all rehearsal rooms, additional welfare producers, and training for professional dancers, production team, and crew.
Incidents Involving Celebrity Dancers
There have also been incidents involving celebrity dancers, including Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, who made "inappropriate and unacceptable" comments during the Strictly live tour in January. He took a break from his BBC Radio Wales daytime show and later announced that he would not return. Additionally, EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick was suspended by the BBC last month after using a bow against people with disabilities while rehearsing for Strictly. Borthwick apologized, and the BBC stated that his language was "completely unacceptable."
