BBC Strictly welcomes two new dancers following recent shake-up of professionals
The BBC has revealed that American dancer Alexis Warr and Australian performer Julian Caillon will join the professional cast of Strictly Come Dancing for the 2025 series.
The announcement marks the first additions to the professional troupe in over a year.
Both dancers bring extensive competition experience to the programme.
Warr became the first female ballroom and Latin dancer to claim victory on the US series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, earning the title of “America’s Favourite Dancer”.
Caillon has featured as a professional dancer across three seasons of Australia’s Dancing with the Stars.
The pair were photographed arriving at rehearsals in London on Monday alongside returning professionals, with the autumn series set to begin in approximately two months.
The appointments follow the exits of Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima from the programme.
Pernice was removed from the 2024 series after actor Amanda Abbington raised concerns about his conduct during their 2023 partnership, whilst Di Prima departed following issues regarding his interactions with celebrity partner Zara McDermott.
Warr’s television experience extends beyond her competition victory. She has performed on Dancing with the Stars, where she partnered Joseph Baena, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, for waltz and Argentine tango routines.
The Utah native has also appeared on America’s Got Talent and World of Dance, alongside participating in multiple national tours across the United States.
Caillon’s credentials include international touring with dance company Burn the Floor and competing on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show, Caillon disclosed that he had concealed his relocation from Australia to most of his family and friends.
“I haven’t actually told anyone yet that I’ve moved from Australia all the way to London,” he revealed, explaining that only his fiancée knew the truth whilst others believed he was merely holidaying.
Warr expressed her enthusiasm about joining the programme, stating: “I’ve admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour.
“I can’t wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK.”
Caillon described his appointment as a “dream come true”, adding: “I can’t wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special!”
The duo will perform alongside eighteen returning professionals, including reigning champion Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas will return to the judging panel. Recent MBE recipients Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman continue as hosts.
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Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, commented: “We’ve been big fans of Alexis and Julian for some time so it’s with great excitement that we now welcome them both to the Strictly family.
They’re two incredible dancers with bright futures ahead of them, and we know viewers are going to love getting to know them both.”