BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro shares real reason why they don't always get a celebrity partner

Strictly Come Dancing professional Erin Boag, who was a series regular until 2012, has shared the real reason why some pro dancers don't always get a celebrity partner

BBC audiences were treated to a thrilling Strictly Come Dancing kickoff last weekend, where this year's contestants were paired with their professional partners, much to the delight of viewers eager to see dance floor favourites like Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer and Nikita Kuzmin. This season also marks a return for Neil Jones and Nadiya Bychkova, who will be getting their shot at the glitter ball after joining the main competition lineup.

Last year saw Neil and Nadiya blend into group performances without the opportunity to pursue the top prize - a twist of fate endured by Kai Widdrington in 2023 as he wasn't partnered up but was seen matching steps with Angela Rippon.

Saturday night's premiere set the stage ablaze, and Erin Boag spoke frankly on the professional pairing process. Chatting with Express.co.uk, courtesy of Spin Genie, she said professionals needn't take the matching process to heart, noting every pro brings excellence to the table: "I don't think you can take this personally as a professional, because all of the professionals are fabulous."

She emphasised that it's always good to give others a chance to shine: "I can't name any professional that's ever been on that show that shouldn't have been there, because they're all fabulous, and they all work hard, but sometimes it's nice to showcase somebody else."

Erin shed light on how Neil often sits out despite his talents, having only made the main draw twice since joining the cast in 2026, and hinted there's another surprise waiting in the wings a professional yet to claim the limelight on the dance floor, reports the Express.

Erin spoke out about the unseen efforts of the Strictly professionals, saying: "Michelle, we haven't seen her yet. She's been there for a couple of years. In the background, what you do as a professional, if you are, they call it, 'benched' is they use you a lot in the pro numbers, and when the singer comes on, they normally have those professionals going out there and doing the extra work."

She also touched on the additional responsibilities that come with being a pro dancer on the show, suggesting that those not paired with celebrities often contribute to choreography and other aspects of the production.

Erin empathised with the pros, adding: "Sometimes they need a bit of support themselves. No one thinks about that. They are the dancers. But sometimes they also need support".

In this year's pairing news, Neil has teamed up with Toyah Wilcox, who shared her joy with Claudia Winkleman, saying: "I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!"

Toyah also revealed her daring plan to make an entrance by abseiling into the Strictly studio, with Neil humorously responding: "I'm scared of heights but I'm up for it."

The excitement continues as fans welcome back favourites Aljaz Skorjanec and Amy Dowden to the dance floor. Amy, who had to step back last year due to her health, is now partnered with JLS's JB Gill, who is tipped as a frontrunner for the glitterball trophy.

Aljaz, who departed the BBC show in 2022, is set to partner up with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri. On teaming up with Aljaz, Tasha exclaimed: "I am absolutely ecstatic! He's so fun chaos, but I love a bit of chaos energy. Honestly, we mesh so well, and I'm so excited. He's already teaching me little moves, and I'm trying to keep up, but I've got a very good one here."