Strictly Come Dancing has recruited one of the stars of the US version of the show for its new series.

Russian-born heartthrob Gleb Savchenko is joining after a stint as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars.

He said: “I can’t wait to join the show. I’m really excited to join such a fabulous brand and dance like the whole world is watching.”

There are two other new dancers, Italian Giovanni Pernice and South African Otlile Mabuse, with Iveta Lukosiute and Trent Whiddon leaving the show.

Iveta won't appear on Stritcly this year, but may return in the future (John Stillwell/PA)
Iveta won’t appear on Stritcly this year, but may return in the future (John Stillwell/PA)

Iveta held out the possibility of returning to the show, saying: “I always tried to do my very best to show off my celebrity and add as much as I could to the show. This year I will focus more on my dance school in New York City since I was away so much, however, I will be more than happy to stay involved with the show in the future.”

Among the returning regulars are Anton Du Beke, Brendan Cole, Kevin Clifton, Aliona Vilani, Kristina Rihanoff and Joanne Clifton.

Anton Du Beke
Don’t worry – Anton Du beke is not going anywhere (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Executive producer Louise Rainbow said she was “thrilled” with the line-up.

She said: “Not only are some of the viewers’ favourites returning, but we also have some exciting new dancers joining the Strictly family. I think it’s safe to say that this year’s Strictly will be as exciting and entertaining as always.”

The show returns to BBC One in the autumn when the celebrity line up will be revealed.

Brendan Cole
Brendan Cole will be back again, too (Ian West/PA)

The arrival of the three new dancers means the show will have 16 professionals now instead of the previous 15, but show bosses refused to say whether there would also be an extra celebrity taking part.

A BBC spokeswoman said: “Today we’ve announced 16 brilliant professional dancers from across the world and are delighted to welcome them to the new series.

“We are not in a position to announce the celebrity line up yet or how many there will be, but will do so in due course.”

The line-up also includes Ola Jordan who had to withdraw from Channel 4′s The Jump earlier this year and underwent knee surgery after a fall on the winter sports show.