Matthew Cutler and Lilia Kopylova are to leave the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing. BBC bosses said the pair will not be part of the new professional dance group which will feature in the next series of the revamped show later this year. However, they said both Matthew - who won the show in 2007 as Alesha Dixon's partner - and Lilia, the 2005 champ alongside Darren Gough, may make guest appearances. Lilia's husband Darren Bennett is to return to the show, as will Ian Waite, as members of the pro dance group. They will be joined by four new recruits - one female and three male - to be named at a later date. The BBC said Matthew will concentrate on choreography, teaching and managing his own dance school, which he opened in 2009. Matthew said: "I've absolutely loved my time on Strictly, and now is a good time to focus on developing new areas of my career. I'm excited about having more time to commit to new projects and, of course, still having a hand in Strictly without all the training." Russian-born Lilia said: "I've had six brilliant series on the show. I will miss it, but I am looking forward to new opportunities ahead. Of course I will be there to support Darren and all of my fellow professionals." The new group will perform routines throughout the show when Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn. Familiar faces such as Anton du Beke, Brendan Cole and Erin Boag have already been confirmed to return to the show as partners to this year's celebrities who are thought to include Ann Widdecombe and Felicity Kendal.
