New Strictly pro Aleksandra Isaeva denies she's dating co-star Cristian Priori
The new series of Strictly begins very soon...Strictly Come Dancing newcomers Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori have spoken out over rumours that they are dating – and their answer was a firm no.
Aleksandra and Cristian are among five new professional dancers joining Strictly Come Dancing for its 2026 series. They will appear alongside Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita and Maddie Ingoldsby.
The pair addressed the speculation during a YouTube video with Mark, in which the three newcomers answered questions from fans.
Are new Strictly pros Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori dating?
Aleksandra read out: “Are you and Cristian in a relationship as well as dance partners?”
She and Cristian then looked at one another and wagged their fingers before Aleksandra replied: “Nooooo.”
However, she could not resist having a little fun with the attention. Aleksandra joked: “Oh we need to do clickbait,” before adding: “Yeah, we are in a relationship with Cristian.”
Her playful follow-up came after the pair had clearly denied the suggestion.
Who are the new Strictly professionals?
Ukrainian dancer Aleksandra and Italian professional Cristian are part of a five-strong intake ahead of the new series.
They are joined by South African Latin champion Lethabo, Canadian dancer Mark and UK National Ballroom Champion Maddie.
The newcomers have been introducing themselves to viewers on social media ahead of their Strictly debuts.
At 21, Maddie Ingoldsby becomes the second-youngest professional dancer in the programme’s history. She turned 21 in February and is only a few months older than Chloe Hewitt was when she joined Strictly in 2016.
Maddie said in the official announcement: “Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true.”
She added that she was beginning the new chapter with “gratitude, excitement, and anticipation”.
With the new professionals already answering fans’ questions, viewers are getting an early glimpse of their personalities. And while Aleksandra and Cristian were happy to joke about the speculation, their initial response left little room for doubt.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September
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