Pros being contacted for 2015 series

backstageone · 22/04/15 - 14:29

:DPros are getting their phone calls for this year's series. There should be a press release to follow up real quick:D

[Deleted User] · 23/04/15 - 03:14

I could live without Ola, Karen, Joanne and Kevin. I feel ambivalent about Robin, Anton and Brendan (if he is going to be a mardy-arse again this year). Everyone else I would like to see again. I will go especially ape if they get rid of Natalie, Iveta and Aljaz.

Is it too much to hope for that the producers are as over Kevin as everyone else was by the end of the last series?

lewismacf · 23/04/15 - 08:33

I hope Kevin comes back i know a lot on here dont like him but what has he done to you guys 2 years no dance off's pretty impressive

*Topaz* · 23/04/15 - 11:08

Thanks for telling us. I've got my fingers crossed for Janette

SuzieQ12 · 23/04/15 - 11:34

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/095f42d3-26c5-4f36-86e8-1a238a969ac5

We're dusting off our dancing shoes to bring you the news that three new proffessional dancers are joining our Strictly ranks ready for when we return in the Autumn. Russian-born Dancing With The Stars favourite Gleb Savchenko, 2012 Italian Champion Giovanni Pernice and eight-times South African Latin American Champion Otlile Mabuse. Our three new faces complete our sparkling sixteen alongside Strictly favourites who are returning to the show.

The line-up in full

Aljaž Škorjanec
Anton Du Beke
Brendan Cole
Giovanni Pernice
Gleb Savchenko
Kevin Clifton
Pasha Kovalev
Tristan MacManus

Aliona Vilani
Janette Manrara
Joanne Clifton
Karen Hauer
Kristina Rihanoff
Natalie Lowe
Ola Jordan
Otlile Mabuse

Lousie Rainbow, Executive Producer says: “We are thrilled with our pro-dancer line up this year. Not only are some of the viewers’ favourites returning but we also have some exciting new dancers joining the Strictly family. I think it’s safe to say that this year’s Strictly will be as exciting and entertaining as always.”

On Iveta’s and Trent’s departures from the show she adds: “Iveta Lukosiute has been with us for three series and we would like to thank her for her wonderful contribution to the show and wish her the very best for the future. And huge thanks also to Trent Whiddon who danced so beautifully with Pixie last year.”

Iveta says: “I really enjoyed my experience on Strictly Come Dancing! I loved everything about the show, dancers, judges, BBC, celebrities, fans... all of it was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful show! I always tried to do my very best to show off my celebrity and add as much as I could to the show. This year I will focus more on my dance school in New York City since I was away so much, however, I will be more than happy to stay involved with the show in the future.”

Trent adds: “I was very happy to be part of last season and very thankful for the opportunity”.

Otlile Mabuse

Otlile was born in Pretoria in South Africa and is currently competing in the German version of Strictly Come Dancing where she is performing with Daniel Kublbock, a German pop star. Otlile began dancing in South Africa as a young child along with her sister who is also a professional dancer and now a judge on the German show. Otlile moved to Germany to push herself as she was the 8 times South African Latin American Champion and wanted new challenges. Otlile studied Civil Engineering at University but ballroom dancing was always her true passion. Otlile has achieved many titles in her dancing career including World European Latin semi-finalist and World Cup Championship semi-finalist. On joining Strictly she says: “To finally see my dreams unfold before my eyes is such an unbelievable feeling. I'm so excited to meet the team and the other dancers”.

Giovanni Pernice

Giovanni was born in Sicily and decided from a young age that he wanted to take up dance lessons. At 14 years old he moved to Bologna to concentrate on dance and to be taught by some of the best teachers in the world. His greatest achievement is the day he won the Italian Championships in 2012. He has the date tattooed on his wrist, along with ‘Nato per vincere’ meaning ‘Born To Win’ written on his arm. His favourite dance style is Jive as he feels it reflects his cheeky character. He is very much looking forward to moving to the UK and joining the show which has been a dream of his for many years. He says: “I have loved watching Strictly Come Dancing and I can’t wait to be part of the show”.

Gleb Savchenko

Russian born Gleb has been dancing since he was eight years old when he started lessons in his home town of Moscow. Gleb has travelled the world competing and performing and now at the age of 31, he is back in Russia partnered with Adelina Sotnikova, an Olympic Gold ice skater in the Russian version of Strictly Come Dancing. Gleb also competed in Dancing With The Stars in America where he was paired with Lisa Vanderpump. Some of Gleb’s greatest achievements include coming 10th in the World and 1st in Rising Stars. Gleb has also modelled for numerous brands and has danced with Jennifer Lopez in a commercial for L’Oreal . Gleb specialises in Latin and is passionate about joining Strictly. He says: “I can’t wait to join the show – I’m really excited to join such a fabulous brand and dance like the whole world is watching”.

fridgesoup · 23/04/15 - 11:37

lewismacf wrote: »

I hope Kevin comes back i know a lot on here dont like him but what has he done to you guys 2 years no dance off's pretty impressive

...not sure it was a good idea to ask such an open ended question!

I find him a little irritating and am not keen on his dancing, but I'm fine if he comes back. They don't all need to be my cup of tea (and I'd sooner lose Anton

), but I am sick to the back teeth of the narrative surrounding him (not of his making, I know). I don't want to hear about Grimsby, or faux-sibling rivalry, or have him pushed to the fore in all the pro dances. TPTB seem to be determined to push the Clifton clan (including Karen) as 'a thing' and I wish they wouldn't.

Since Artem left, Aljaz has become my favourite. He was a joy last year, so they best keep him! Love Iveta, Aliona, Natalie and would also like to see Pasha, Tristan and Janeatte back. Trent was good last year, too and I'd like Anya to return.

ETA: just seen Suzie's post. Wow! Surprised to see Gleb in the line up. That's a turn up!! Yummy. Off to read about the newbies. Thanks SQ!

[Deleted User] · 23/04/15 - 11:39

I am utterly gobsmacked that Ola is back

Last series it seemed like neither she nor the BBC were enjoying a particularly happy working relationship.

No Iveta or Trent

fridgesoup · 23/04/15 - 11:43

dancingbearbear wrote: »

I am utterly gobsmacked that Ola is back
Last series it seemed like neither she nor the BBC were enjoying a particularly happy working relationship.

No Iveta or Trent

Me too

Astonished and gutted not to see Iveta. I hope she left and wasn't pushed.

mossy2103 · 23/04/15 - 11:43

So Ola Jordan is returning then, that's a surprise.

*Topaz* · 23/04/15 - 11:43

SuzieQ12 wrote: »

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/095f42d3-26c5-4f36-86e8-1a238a969ac5

So Ola survives yet again! I wonder if this is a case of keep your friends close and your enemies even closer ;-)

And three new pros one of which is Gleb from DWTS - I think that's going to make a few people very happy

*Topaz* · 23/04/15 - 11:45

fridgesoup wrote: »

Me too

Astonished and gutted not to see Iveta. I hope she left and wasn't pushed.

I've only just realised

Why

She brought so much personality to the show

[Deleted User] · 23/04/15 - 11:45

*Topaz* wrote: »

So Ola survives yet again! I wonder if this is a case of keep your friends close and your enemies even closer ;-)

)

Now that is a very good point - haven't the Jordans threatened a 'no holds barred' exposee once their involvement with the show is over

welwynrose · 23/04/15 - 11:46

Yay Brendan's back

mossy2103 · 23/04/15 - 11:48

fridgesoup wrote: »

Me too

Astonished and gutted not to see Iveta. I hope she left and wasn't pushed.

Sounds like she left in order to put more time back into her dance studio which had been neglected since her SCD involvement.

mossy2103 · 23/04/15 - 11:49

Interesting that it's 8 men and 8 women this time.

fatskia · 23/04/15 - 11:54

Very pleased to see Ola is back.

She has always done a very good job as a pro. She has recovered fast and well - so far - fingers crossed she has no problem getting to full dance fitness.

Great to see Aliona back too - she is very talented at this job.

Ellie1967 · 23/04/15 - 11:55

Really surprised Ola is back. Not so surprised about Robin leaving - he was never my favourite but I feel a bit sorry for him, they didn't even mention him with Iveta and Trent. I won't really miss any of them though.

I'm sure Gleb will be popular, although I went off him due to his recent off-screen behaviour. Very glad Tristan is back, I just hope he gets someone good this year, or at least under 40.

olivej · 23/04/15 - 11:58

very surprised to see Ola in the line up

sad to see Iveta go - I would rather have her than Ola but hey ho

3 newbies............... wonder what they will be like

FingersAndToes · 23/04/15 - 11:59

Interesting line up. I'm glad Karen and Kevin are in, surprised that Ola is too, and Trent isn't.

Gill_Brett · 23/04/15 - 12:05

Great to see Aliona back

Very sorry to see Ivetta and Trent go I liked them both. I feel very sorry for Robin who's been with the show a lot longer and hasn't even been mentioned and after he did such a good job on the Peoples Special.

*Topaz* · 23/04/15 - 12:24

dancingbearbear wrote: »

Now that is a very good point - haven't the Jordans threatened a 'no holds barred' exposee once their involvement with the show is over

I don't get it though - they've survived other disgruntled pros mouthing off to the media - I mean what 'dirt' can the Jordans really dish up

If Ola doesn't get a duffer this year because they're running scared of James' mouthing off again then I'll be very annoyed!

I'd have preferred Iveta back - I personally think she's being very diplomatic in her statement on concentrating on her dance school and would have loved to be invited back.

aggs · 23/04/15 - 12:27

Sorry not to see Trent and Iveta back. Surprised not to see Robin return - he had the slot on ITT so thought he was being kept in the fold.

shrinkingviolet · 23/04/15 - 12:29

Can't believe Ola made the cut. This is going to be another year of James bitching on Twitter and ~anonymous sources making statements to the press, I guess.

Not overly fussed about losing Robin, Iveta and Trent, although I think Trent had perhaps earned another year.

Happy to see Karen, Kristina, Natalie and Alijaz back.

Gill_Brett wrote: »

Great to see Aliona back

Very sorry to see Ivetta and Trent go I liked them both. I feel very sorry for Robin who's been with the show a lot longer and hasn't even been mentioned and after he did such a good job on the Peoples Special.

I wonder if maybe they will keep him for the People's Strictly (assuming it comes back again) - he seems suited to that sort of format.

Ellie1967 · 23/04/15 - 12:35

shrinkingviolet wrote: »

Can't believe Ola made the cut. This is going to be another year of James bitching on Twitter and ~anonymous sources making statements to the press, I guess.

The fact that she keeps coming back is making me think she and James are doing exactly what the BBC wants in getting the show publicity and they are all pretty happy with the situation. I wish they wouldn't though, as I think all the bitching and negative stories drag down the atmosphere of the show. I could be looking back through rose-tinted spectacles, but I think the whole show was better when the press were less interested in it.

Arcana · 23/04/15 - 12:40

Shame about Iveta. Robin never did much for me, frankly, and Trent wasn't on the show long enough to be either a favourite or disfavourite though I really enjoyed his partnership with Pixie.

As ever looking forward to 'meeting' the new pros.

*Topaz* · 23/04/15 - 12:44

YouTube links of the 3 new pros Otlile, Giovanne and Gleb in action.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B9AGSvELUIA

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RDnlVfvgIQk

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XQhnoC1_WfU

Hey there!

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Pros being contacted for 2015 series

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