Kimberly Wyatt, John Partridge and Simeon Qsyea announced as judges

Taking the Next Step is a new 10 part series from CBBC that follows hopeful dancers as they audition for the chance to make a guest appearance in the hit programme – The Next Step.

The series will be presented by Blue Peter Presenter Lindsey Russell and the dancers will audition in front of three industry experts – Kimberly Wyatt, dancer, former Pussycat Doll and newly crowned Celebrity Masterchef champion. John Partridge brings a performance pedigree to the judging panel that ranges from the West End to EastEnders and includes primetime Saturday night television such as BBC One’s Over the Rainbow and Tumble.

Joining Kimberly and John is trained dancer and choreographer, Simeon Qsyea. Simeon choreographed on BBC One’s So You Think You Can Dance and has demonstrated his versatility by his work with artists such as will.i.am and Dizzee Rascal and at Sadler’s Wells with Stravinsksy’s “Rite of Spring”.

Speaking about the series Kimberly Watt says: “I’m so excited to be judging auditions for Taking the Next Step. I’ve had a fantastic journey as a professional dancer in the industry, and have seen some amazing young dancers coming out of the UK. I look forward to seeing what our young hopefuls have to offer– I just hope they’re ready to take The Next Step.”

John Partridge says: “I’ve been a huge fan of the show The Next Step, so I am naturally excited to be taking part in a series that searches for young, fresh talent – and helps them in “taking the next step” on their road to success.”

Simeon Qsyea says: It’s amazing to be part of this line up and I’m super excited to be involved. Dance to me is the true expression of man and I can’t wait to bring you something fresh, funky and fly.”

Hugely popular CBBC series, The Next Step, is a reality style drama that focuses on a group of dancers who attend The Next Step Dance Studio. Dance is at the heart of everything these talented teens do and so is the drama! The series follows the high and lows as they strive to win a series of dance competitions. Produced by Temple Street Productions and filmed on location in Toronto Canada, The Next Step is one of the most well- loved series on CBBC and has proved popular on BBC iPlayer with audiences of all ages.

This is the ultimate talent show for The Next Step fans. Over 1,300 dancers uploaded audition videos to CBBC for the chance to be selected for our Regional Auditions. Taking the Next Step, is now inviting successful dancers to attend auditions in Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester and London, with the successful candidates going forward to attend National auditions. From the Nationals, the judges will select a final six to travel to Canada and continue the selection process, moving even closer to The Next Step dream! Once in Canada, the pressure is really on as they meet the cast and perform challenges on set in The Next Step studios. Only one of them can achieve the ultimate goal and be chosen for the coveted guest role on The Next Step, Season 4.

Viewers will be able to follow every step of the journey as cameras cover the audition process.

Cheryl Taylor Controller of CBBC said: “”This is one of the most exciting contests we’ve ever hosted on CBBC and we’ve been bowled over by the response from dedicated young dance enthusiasts from all over the country. The Next Step has proved to be a huge hit with our audience and they’re all itching to find out which talented performer going to pirouette their way into the cast”.

Taking the Next Step is has been commissioned by Cheryl Taylor, Controller of CBBC and is being made by CBBC Productions, the Salford based in-house production unit.