Former pro dancer Janette Manrara has sent a message to one of her Strictly Come Dancing colleagues following their significant announcement about their role on the show this year. Strictly fans will know that Janette herself was a professional dancer on the programme from 2013 to 2020. In 2021, she transitioned to co-hosting the spin-off, It Takes Two, keeping her firmly within the Strictly family.

The popular dance show is now just weeks away from making a grand return to our television screens, with viewers eagerly anticipating news of which celebrities will be gracing the ballroom this year.

While no celebrities have been confirmed for the BBC One dance contest's 2025 series as yet, the broadcaster did announce earlier this year which professional dancers will be returning to the dance floor. For the forthcoming series, professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk will once again take to the floor, reports Manchester Evening News.

They'll be joined by Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

Alongside the confirmation of the pro line-up, it was also revealed that two brand new professional dancers will be making their debut. The newcomers have since been unveiled as So You Think You Can Dance champion Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon from Australia's Dancing With The Stars.

While the lineup of professional dancers who will be paired with celebrities on this year's Strictly Come Dancing remains under wraps, Gorka Márquez has confirmed he won't be one of them. The dancer has taken up a judging role on Spain's version of the show, sidelining him from competing in the UK series.

On Instagram, the 34 year old expressed his excitement: "I am happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September."

He explained that due to the filming schedule, he would not compete with a partner on Strictly this year but would participate in group numbers and return for the final weeks to support his fellow professionals and their celebrity partners.

"As always thank you for all The love and support and remember! Keep dancing! ! !" he added. Gorka's announcement was met with an outpouring of support from his co-stars.

Janette Manrara reposted his message on her Instagram Story, adding: "We'll miss you!" Jowita Przystal congratulated him, saying: "Congratulations! !" Johannes Radebe chimed in with: "Congrats papi," while Nikita Kuzmin and Lauren Oakley showed their support with heart and clapping emojis.

Karen excitedly messaged: "Felicitasiones chamito! ! Dale fuert."

Julian responded with a succinct: "Congrats bro!" 'Strictly 2024' contender Tasha Ghori expressed her joy: "Congratulations gorka! ! !" and his most recent dance partner Dr Punam Krishan chimed in: "Super proud of you Gorka, huge congratulations."