For many "Let's Dance" fans, the news was a shock: spectator darling and triple winner Ekaterina Leonova (32) will not sweep the dance floor in the 13th season that will soon start. The broadcaster RTL has also announced the end of the two other professional dancers Katja Kalugina (26) and Evgeny Vinokurov (29). While Vinokurov says that the 29-year-old wants to concentrate on other projects this year, the women lack any justification for the end.
And Leonova himself isn't exactly happy about it either. "This news made me very sad because my heart and soul are always on the dance floor," she wrote on her Instagram channel shortly after the announcement. She is even clearer in her comments. When asked by a follower whether she would never come back, the 32-year-old replied: "It is not up to me".
That's why she is no longer there
RTL also commented on demand from the news agency spot on news about the reasons for her departure: "In 2019, eight instead of the usual seven professional dancers danced, and this year we would also like to enable new professionals to participate in 'Let's Dance'. Ekaterina Leonova , Katja Kalugina and Evgeny Vinokurov will not be there this year, "says the broadcaster 's statement.
Nevertheless, Ekat, as she is called by fans and colleagues, will be seen in the new season: "Ekaterina will present her favorite dance together with Pascal Hens, her last year's dance partner and Dancing Star 2019, at the introductory show on February 21st "promises RTL.
They compete
The professional dancers will be dealing with these celebrities in the new season: ex-football professional Ailton, comedian Ilka Bessin, moderator Sükrü Pehlivan, RTL moderator Ulrike von der Groeben, actor Martin Klempnow, model Laura Müller, singer Luca Hänni, football player Steffi Jones , Musician John Kelly, artist Lili Paul-Roncalli, actor Tijan Njie, model Loiza Lamers, athlete Moritz Hans and rapper Sabrina Setlur.
Victoria Swarovski (26) and Daniel Hartwich (41) will moderate "Let's Dance" again. The judges Motsi Mabuse (38), Joachim Llambi (55) and Jorge González (52) will also be there.