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Ian Waite and Darren Bennett will return to Strictly Come Dancing as part of this series' new professional dance group, and will be joined by four new recruits – one male and three female – who will be confirmed as the series draws nearer.

Matthew Cutler won't return as a permanent member of the dance group. Instead, he's concentrating on a burgeoning choreographic and teaching career, plus managing his own dance school, which he opened last year. He will, however, return to choreograph some of the group numbers – and a few guest appearances aren't ruled out.

Matt said: "I've absolutely loved my time on Strictly, and now is a good time to focus on developing new areas of my career. I'm excited about having more time to commit to new projects and, of course, still having a hand in Strictly without all the training!"

Lilia Kopylova will also be bowing out of Strictly but, like Matt, will stay with the show on an ad hoc basis and may make a guest appearance.

Lilia said "I've had six brilliant series on the show, I will miss it, but I am looking forward to new opportunities ahead. Of course I will be there to support Darren and all of my fellow professionals."

The professional dance group will perform spectacular routines throughout the show, in a series which is bigger, better and, more than ever, all about the dance.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One this Autumn.

CS/SM4