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Strictly Come Dancing has announced the line-up of professional dancers for the next series, including a new male dancer.

Pasha Kovalev, who hails from Siberia and specialises in Latin, will take his place on the dance floor alongside a host of familiar faces.

The other male dancers are: reigning champion Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole, Anton Du Beke, James Jordan, Vincent Simone and Robin Windsor. The female dancers waltzing back on to the show this year will once again be Erin Boag, Flavia Cacace, Ola Jordan, Natalie Lowe, Kristina Rihanoff, Aliona Vilani and Katya Virshilas.

The show's executive producer, Moira Ross, says: "I'm delighted to welcome back our Strictly professionals and really excited about introducing our new dancer Pasha to our audiences. We've some exciting treats in store for series nine."

Last series' dance troupe will not be back when the show returns to ´óÏó´«Ã½ One this autumn.

Notes to Editors

Pasha Kovalev biography

Nationality: Russian
Height: 5'10"
Age: 31
DOB: 19 January 1980
Speciality: Latin and Ballroom
Eyes: Brown
Hair Colour: Brown

Titles & Awards

US National Latin Finalist 2001-2006
Ohio Star Ball Finalist 2001-2005
SYTYCD Season 3 Finalist and All Star
SYTYCD Live Tour 2007
SYTYCD Australia Guest Choreographer
Burn The Floor Performer

Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha started dancing when he was just eight years old training formally in Ballroom.

Ballroom dancer Pasha appeared as a top 6 finalist on the third season of the So You Think You Can Dance in the USA and has appeared in the West End and Broadway with Burn The Floor.

Pasha has taught all styles of ballroom including International Standard, American Smooth and Rhythm but his specialty is International Latin.

AC