Who is Aleksandra Isaeva? Meet brand new Strictly Come Dancing 2026 professional

Strictly Come Dancing is back tonight following some big changes for the entertainment series.

Not only are Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe taking over as hosts, but there are even more new faces in the form of five professional dancers.

Among the new pros is Ukrainian dancer Aleksandra Isaeva, an accomplished champion of the dance floor.

Aleksandra will be making her first Strictly appearance during tonight's launch show, although it’s not yet been revealed whether she’ll have a celebrity partner.

But what else is there to know about Aleksandra Isaeva? Read on to learn more about the dancer as she cha-cha-chas her way on the ballroom floor.

Aleksandra Isaeva - key facts

Age: 22

Job: Professional dancer

From: Ukraine (now living in Italy)

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Aleksandra Isaeva is a professional dancer who is a multiple Ukrainian national Latin champion.

As well as being ranked as one of the world’s top 21 Latin dancers, she has reached top 10 positions at both the European Latin championships in Blackpool and the Dutch Open world Latin dance competition.

Aleksandra was also a finalist at the UK dance festival’s Latin rising star competition.

How old is Aleksandra Isaeva?

Aleksandra is 22 years old, making her one of the show’s youngest professional dancers alongside fellow newcomers Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.

She is! Aleksandra Isaeva is active on social media, where she regularly shares posts from Strictly training and dance competitions.

She can be followed on Instagram at @aleka_isa_eva and TikTok via @aleksa_isa_eva.

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What has Aleksandra Isaeva said about joining Strictly Come Dancing?

Aleksandra has shared her excitement at joining the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing professionals, describing it as "a true honour".

She said: "I’ve been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour. The thought of learning from and sharing this experience with such extraordinary dancers, choreographers and the whole Strictly family still gives me goosebumps.

"I can’t wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others and be inspired along the way!"

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 19 September at 7:25pm.

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Authors

Nathan Katnoria is a freelance writer at Radio Times, covering entertainment shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Big Brother. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist and previously worked at heat and Closer, where he focused on showbiz news and reality TV.