Joanne Clifton has left ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 33-year-old professional dancer starred on the BBC programme in 2016, winning the coveted glitterball trophy alongside her partner Ore Oduba – but Joanne will not be returning to ‘Strictly’ when the new series begins later this year.
Ukrainian ballroom and Latin dancer Oksana Platero has also left the programme, with Natalie Lowe having already confirmed her departure from ‘Strictly’.
The trio of female professionals are being replaced by Dianne Buswell, from Australia, Nadiya Bychkova, from Ukraine and Amy Dowden, from Wales.
Nadiya – who is a two-time World Champion and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin ’10’ Dance – previously competed on the Bosnian version of ‘Strictly’ and she is looking forward to impressing the UK fans.
She said: "I’m extremely happy to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing family this year.
"One of my biggest dreams is to be part of this great show and I can’t wait to get started."
Dianne, who previously appeared on ‘Dancing with the Stars Australia’, revealed she is excited by the opportunity to demonstrate her talents on the BBC show.
She shared: "What an honour it is to be a part of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
"Words can’t describe how excited I am to take on this amazing challenge and give it my everything."
And Amy, the current British National Champion, is similarly enthusiastic about the prospect.
She said: "Becoming a professional dancer on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has made my wildest dreams come true, it does not feel real.
"I have always been proud of my Welsh roots and feel so honoured to be the first Welsh professional dancer on the most loved show on TV."
Joanne Clifton leaves Strictly Come Dancing
