STRICTLY is back to brighten up your autumn, and the BBC ballroom is getting a major shake-up with a fresh crop of world-class professional dancers.
Among the exciting new recruits taking to the floor and ready to battle it out for the coveted Glitterball trophy in 2026 is Latin sensation, Aleksandra Isaeva.
The Ukrainian was snapped up by show bosses to bring technique, international prestige, and high-octane energy to Saturday night TV.
Who is Aleksandra Isaeva?
Aleksandra Isaeva is a 22-year-old professional Latin American dancer and choreographer.
Born in 2004 in Ukraine, she discovered her passion for movement early on, dedicating her childhood and teenage years to relentless training in competitive dance.
She currently resides in Italy, where she has been based while training and competing at the highest levels of the international dance circuit.
Describing dance as something she has “lived and breathed” for as long as she can remember, Aleksandra has established herself as one of Europe’s most formidable young dance talents.
What is Aleksandra Isaeva‘s previous dance experience?
Despite her young age, Aleksandra boasts a world-class competitive record.
She is a multiple-time Ukrainian National Latin Champion and holds a spot among the top 21 Latin dancers in the world rankings.
Her competitive achievements span major international tournaments.
Career highlights include securing top-10 finishes at both the prestigious European Latin Championships in Blackpool and the Dutch Open World Latin Dance Competition.
She also reached the final of the UK Dance Festival’s Latin Rising Star event.
Aleksandra specialises in five core Latin American dance styles: Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.
On the competitive stage, she performs with her long-time dance partner Cristian Priori, with whom she has earned praise for powerful technique, precision, and expressive choreography.
Has Aleksandra Isaeva been on Strictly before?
The 2026 series marks Aleksandra’s official debut on Strictly Come Dancing.
She was announced in July 2026 as part of a brand-new wave of professional dancers joining the ballroom.
The new cohort includes her competitive partner Cristian Priori, alongside fellow professional dancers Maddie Ingoldsby, Mark Karmalita, and Lethabo Monametsi.
Reflecting on joining the cast, Aleksandra 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!”
Does Aleksandra Isaeva have a romantic partner?
When it comes to her love life, Aleksandra keeps details about her personal relationships private.
There is no public record regarding whether she is currently dating anyone, married, or has children.
While fans often speculate about romance on and off the dancefloor, her relationship with dance partner Cristian Priori is strictly professional, bound by years of training and competing together on the international Latin circuit.
Offstage, Aleksandra maintains a quiet personal life focused on her dance career.