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The 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing has kicked off after a dazzling launch show, with a host of new celebrity faces taking to the ballroom floor in a bid to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy.<\/p>\n
All 15 contestants have been paired up with their professional partners, with one or two Strictly favourites missing out on securing a spot on this year’s series.<\/p>\n
We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the upcoming series, such as who has been snubbed and which celebrity is already being predicted to win after the first round.<\/p>\n
Who has been snubbed in this year’s series? <\/strong><\/p>\n One notable absentee who has missed out on a celeb partner is Ukranian dancer Nadiya Bychkova.<\/p>\n READ MORE: <\/strong> Les Dennis’ Strictly Come Dancing appearance sparks concern with viewers<\/strong><\/p>\n She was partnered with Matt Goss last year and is currently in a relationship with fellow professional Kai Widdrington. She said on Instagram that she was “disappointed” but will be “supporting her fellow pros”.<\/p>\n Another dancer who was left out of this year’s series is Neil Jones.<\/p>\n Despite having joined Strictly seven years ago, the 41-year old has only ever been partnered with a celebrity twice. Both Neil and Nadiya will be part of the larger group dances during the series.<\/p>\n Which dancers are not competing this year? <\/strong><\/p>\n One fan favourite who will not be on our screens this year is Amy Dowden.<\/p>\n The Welsh dancer made the tragic announcement that she had been diagnosed with aggressive stage three breast cancer in May and would not be competing.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Amy has kept her followers updated with regular posts, with her most recent Instagram story revealing that she was “extremely sick” and “very tired” despite taking three types of anti-sickness medication.<\/p>\n She was paired with soap star James Bye in the 2022 series.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/79\/590x\/secondary\/4964788.jpg?r=1695023637918\")
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Ken Bruce blames being \u2018too involved in work\u2019 for the collapse of two marriages[LATEST] <\/strong>
Vanessa Feltz on Strictly: Let’s bask in the joy of Angela Rippon[COMMENT] <\/strong>
Real-life Strictly couple are \u2018all over each other\u2019 during filming[INSIGHT] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/79\/590x\/secondary\/4964789.jpg?r=1695023637986\")
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