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Child star joins Strictly as professional dancer

Naj ModakSouth of England
News imageTomasz Reindl Head-and-shoulders portrait of Maddie Ingoldsby with shoulder-length hair wearing large metallic earrings and a dark top, photographed against a plain studio background. She has her hand on her head with pink nail varnish and wearing a ring with a pink stone.Tomasz Reindl
Ingoldsby was crowned World Rising Star and Under 21 World Ballroom Champion

A child star who played Annie in the West End musical will join four new professional dancers for Strictly's new line-up.

Maddie Ingoldsby, from Bournemouth, will join the celebrity dancing competition when it returns in September.

The UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion made her television debut on Strictly: It Takes Two, and has also appeared in the hit film Last Christmas, starring Emma Thompson and Emilia Clarke.

She told the BBC: "Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true. My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter."

News imageBBC/Ben McElligott Five dancers stand on a rooftop terrace overlooking a city centre. Office buildings, a street below and a landmark column are visible in the background.BBC/Ben McElligott
Meet the five professional dancers joining Strictly in September

"Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words," she added.

Ingoldsby was previously crowned World Rising Star and Under 21 World Ballroom Champion.

She joins multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion, Aleksandra Isaeva, and her dance partner, four-time Italian Latin Champion, Cristian Priori.

Undefeated South African Latin Champion, Lethabo Monametsi and two-time National Latin Champion in Canada, Mark Karmalita, also join the show this autumn.

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