BBC confirms which Strictly Come Dancing pros will return

BBC confirms which Strictly Come Dancing pros will returnJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleBBCPro dancers including (left to right) Nikita Kuzmin, Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola will all return this yearThe BBC has confirmed that five members of Strictly Come Dancing's professional line-up have left the show, as preparations begin for this year's series.Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving female pro, has departed after 14 years. She said in March that she had "decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects".Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas are also leaving, with the BBC yet to announce their replacements.Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will all return, but there's still no news about who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts.The BBC is currently considering who should replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hostsIn an update on Wednesday, the BBC said 15 of the 20 professionals from last year would return for the next series."This year a dynamic and world class roster of returning Professional Dancers will be joined by fresh top talent from the international dance world, bringing an exciting mix of experience and showmanship to the Strictly ballroom," a statement said.Hauer announced her exit in an Instagram video in March, telling her followers: "Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being."I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners who have become close friends and people I admire so much."Karen Hauer joined the show in 2012, and made the final with Mark Wright and Jamie LaingHauer said she, Tess and Claudia could "finally be ladies who lunch in the autumn" - although Hauer has since been cast as a dance teacher in comedy play Stepping Out from Augu...