The BBC has announced the lineup of professionals returning for this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing.
As part of the news it has been confirmed that Oti Mabuse, who has won the last two series in a row, will be returning amid fears that she might quit after signing up to be a judge on ITV's The Masked Dancer.
Show veteran Anton Du Beke is also named as part of the professional lineup again despite rumours that he could replace Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel this year.
Furthermore, the entire lineup of pros from the coronavirus-blighted 2020 series will be back for the new run, including favourites Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Giovanni Pernice, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Dianne Buswell.
Neil Jones, Graziano Di Prima, Janette Manrara, Nancy Xu, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova have also been signed back up.
Strictly executive producer Sarah James said: "We are so thrilled to be welcoming back our incredible lineup of professional dancers for 2021.
"Their passion and dedication for Strictly shone through more than ever last year as they all sacrificed so much to deliver an unforgettable series during unprecedented and challenging times.
"With so much talent returning to the ballroom, the 2021 series promises more show-stopping choreography, memorable performances and world-class dancing."
The new series is expected to begin in September on BBC One.
Neil Wilkes
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