Strictly Come Dancing professionals Joanne Clifton and Oksana Platero are leaving the popular show, the BBC has announced.

They join Natalie Lowe, who has already announced her departure from the programme.

Natalie Lowe (Ian West/PA)

The trio will be replaced Australian dancer Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova from Ukraine and Amy Dowden from Wales.

The new additions will all appear on the show when Strictly Come Dancing returns in September to BBC One.

Clifton, who won the show in 2016 with her partner Ore Oduba, will return to the Strictly ballroom one last time to perform the winners’ routine at the start of the news series.

She said: “Being part of the Strictly experience has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I will miss the show so much.

“It’s been a tough decision but I am looking forward to facing new challenges and focusing on my musical theatre career.”

Platero, who was new to Strictly in 2016 when she was partnered with Judge Robert Rinder, added: “I just want to say thank you to everyone involved with Strictly.

Judge Robert Rinder and Oksana Platero in rehearsals (Peter Byrne/PA)

“Last year was my first season and I had an unforgettable time working alongside such amazing dancers and an even better time with Judge Rinder.

“It was an opportunity of a lifetime and I will never forget it. Thank you so much for the memories.”

Buswell, an Australian Open Champion and four-time Amateur Australian Open Finalist, will join the show after appearing on Dancing with the Stars Australia.

She has also been part of the Burn The Floor production on Broadway since 2011.

She said: “What an honour it is to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! Words can’t describe how excited I am to take on this amazing challenge and give it my everything! See you on the dance floor!”

Bychkova is a two-time World Champion and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin ’10’ Dance.

She is a multiple-time Slovenian Ballroom and Latin Champion and has taken part in the Bosnian version of Strictly.

She said: “I’m extremely happy to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing family this year. One of my biggest dreams is to be part of this great show and I can’t wait to get started!”

Dowden, from Caerphilly in South Wales, began dancing at the age of eight and is the current British National Champion and one of the highest-ranking Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers in the UK.

She is also a four-time British National Finalist, and in 2015 she reached the semi-final of the World Championship.

She said: “Becoming a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has made my wildest dreams come true, it does not feel real!

“I have always been proud of my Welsh roots and feel so honoured to be the first Welsh professional dancer on the most loved show on TV!”

The three new dancers will join returning professionals Anton Du Beke, Brendan Cole, Kevin Clifton, Neil Jones, Pasha Kovalev, Gorka Marquez, Giovanni Pernice, AJ Pritchard and Aljaz Skorjanec as well as Karen Clifton, Chloe Hewitt, Katya Jones, Oti Mabuse and Janette Manrara.

Louise Rainbow, executive producer of Strictly Come Dancing, said: “We’re delighted with our line-up of pros for this year’s series.

“They are all brilliant dancers and wonderful teachers and Strictly is so lucky to have them.

“I would like to thank Natalie, Joanne and Oksana for their hard work and the amazing contribution they have made to the show and wish them all well for the future.”