Strictly fans all say the same thing as ‘new pro’ dancer appears on show 'to replace Graziano'


Strictly Come Dancing fans were in a frenzy as they were convinced that Graziano Di Prima's successor had been unveiled in the show's latest group shot. Back in July, the BBC dance show gave us a sneak peek of its pro dancers hitting the rehearsal floor, prepping for the forthcoming glitz and glamour. Despite recent drama due to Graziano's exit from the show, there were nothing but smiles in this behind-the-scenes picture.

Amidst the familiar sea of Strictly pros in the snapshot, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a face that some recognised. Fans clocked Joshua Keefe, famed for his fancy footwork, among the line-up and reckon he'd be a great replacement. A fan gushed on a forum: "Joshua is back?? Please, make him a pro this year!” Echoing the sentiment, another penned: "This! 100% this! I would love to see him with a partner on Strictly." Someone else highlighted: "That's Josh Keefe, he was a pro on the Australian version and has been in a few Strictly pro routines."

Back row L-R Aljaz Skorjanec, Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu,  Johannes Radebe, Choreographer Jason Gilkison, Rosa Carné, Jowita Przysta¿, Jake Leigh, Nikita Kuzmin, Kai Widdrington, Michelle Tsiakkas, Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell 

Middle row L-R Nadiya Bychkova, Arduino Bertoncello, Joshua Keefe, Katya Jones and Neil Jones 

Front row L-R Nancy Xu, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Lauren Oakley and Gorka Marquez
The strictly pros took a group photo ahead of the new series -Credit:Instagram

With the 22nd series now captivating the nation each weekend, fans reckon they've seen Joshua again, but this time strutting his stuff on the live shows. In a Facebook group dedicated to all things 'Strictly Come Dancing 2024', a post circulated featuring a snap of Joshua's face from the show and the question: "Does anyone know who this chap is? Have seen him in the professional group dances a few times."

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Fans were quick to identify the man in question. One confirmed: "Joshua Keefe" while another chimed in "I thought that it was him alright." Another fan said: "Yes, he's currently on "the legends" tour with other ex strictly guys."

Joshua led the men in a dance tribute in Sunday's results show
Joshua led the men in a dance tribute in Sunday's results show -Credit:BBC
The pros danced on Sunday
The pros danced on Sunday -Credit:BBC

Joshua has previously shone in the Strictly ensemble and even performed on the most recent arena tour. In addition, he's choreographed for Dancing With The Stars Ireland and competed on Dancing With The Stars: All Stars alongside his mate and RuPaul icon Courtney Act.

Joshua’s sighting comes after it is reported that Graziano has reportedly enlisted top legal firm Whitestone Chambers to fight his case against the BBC. The 30 year old dancer is aiming to clear his name and believes he has a case for unfair dismissal.

Shirley and Joshua
Fans have spotted him during the live show -Credit:Getty

Graziano was let go after alleged misconduct towards his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott, which he strongly denies. An insider revealed: "Graziano feels he wasn't allowed a fair opportunity to give his side of the story so has been heartened to hear the legal team think he has a case for unfair dismissal. The top lawyers at Whitestone Chambers have scanned through thousands of messages between Graziano and Zara and the other Strictly dancers."