STRICTLY Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has reportedly confirmed rehearsals for the new series begin next week.
The much-loved Ukranian pro dancer is believed to have announced the gang's return to the rehearsal studio as he rounded off a string of performances with his 2023 celeb partner, Layton Williams.
Performing at London's Drury Lane Theatre, Nikita was seen emotionally hugging Layton, whom he'd grown a close bond with after they were paired up for last year's series.
According to fans in attendance, Nikita and Layton bid a tearful farewell to each other on stage on Tuesday, which was their last official performance together.
Nikita also confirmed he was getting ready to head back into the rehearsal studio "in five days time", as he prepared to get a new celebrity partner.
It's believed the cast will reunite in five days time to prepare for this year's series - which will be the 20th anniversary for the show.
The kick-off for the 2024 series comes despite a string of issues behind-the-scenes that have already marred Strictly, known and loved for its glitz and glam.
In May, Giovanni Pernice was axed from the line-up after three former partners made official complaints to the BBC against his behaviour during rehearsals.
The effort is believed to have been spearheaded by Amanda Abbington, who he was partnered with last year before she pulled out on medical grounds.
Giovanni was criticised for his "militant" training style and rude behaviour – something he has strenuously denied, vowing to clear his name.
An investigation spearheaded by two Met police officers is still ongoing.
Longtime favourite Aljaz Skorjanec has been confirmed to be returning to the dancefloor to replace him.
Last week, it was also announced that Graziano Di Prima had also been fired from the show after the BBC were handed a video showing him "kicking and spitting" at his 2023 dance partner, Zara McDermott.
After being shown the footage, the BBC reached out to Zara - who had hidden what happened to her from show bosses - for her own statement before removing him from the line-up.
He has since flown back to Sicily to escape the onslaught, releasing one statement of apology for his behaviour, saying his "intense passion and determination may have affected his training regime".
Zara later released her own statement, saying that while they put on a friendly demeanour for cameras, in reality it was "very different".
Both he and Zara have now hired representatives to speak on their behalf.
In response, the BBC has put new duty of care in place to ensure there will always be a minder present as a deterrent for such behaviour.
And earlier this week, pros Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington split after two years of dating, with Nadiya reportedly since having her own meetings with bosses to air her grievances.
Typically, the new celeb line-up is announced from the beginning of August - with rumoured stars this year including EastEnders' Jamie Borthwick and 80s icon Toyah Willcox.
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