Comedian Bill Bailey, who triumphed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 with professional partner Oti Mabuse, has provocatively compared the BBC show to a "cult" nearly six years after his victory. The 61-year-old star made the remarks following a significant cull of professional dancers from the series, which has sparked widespread discussion among fans and insiders alike.
Recent Professional Dancer Exits Shake Strictly Come Dancing
Last week, it was reported that several long-standing professional dancers have been axed from Strictly Come Dancing. Among those affected are Gorka Marquez, who famously got engaged to former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson after meeting on the show, along with Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Nadiya Bychkova. Additionally, Michelle Tsiakkas, who previously danced with former EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, was also let go and subsequently quit the upcoming professional tour.
Karen Hauer, having appeared since 2012, is the longest-serving professional in the history of the series. Insiders revealed that her contract will not be renewed, signalling a major shift behind the scenes. A source told the Daily Mail: "Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year. It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over."
Bill Bailey Reflects on His Strictly Experience
In an interview with Metro, Bill Bailey opened up about his time on Strictly Come Dancing, describing it as an intense and bonding experience. He said: "Once you’ve been part of it, it’s almost like you’re then connected with everyone who’s ever been on the show. It’s such an intense experience. You feel like you’re in a kind of club, almost like a special brotherhood I suppose. It feels like that. Maybe it’s a cult!"
Bailey emphasised that he maintains good relationships with everyone he worked with on the programme, noting: "I can phone up anyone who’s ever been on it. Immediately, we’ll just have something in common that we can talk about!" He also shared his thoughts on last year's series, admitting that former Emmerdale star Lewis Cope should have won the Glitterball Trophy. Bailey added: "I think he would have been a very worthy winner. He had all the elements of what Strictly’s about! I said [to Lewis], 'This has made me want to get up and do this again.' You see a dance sometimes, and you think, 'That, I want to do that again.'"
Further Changes Loom for Strictly Come Dancing in 2026
According to insiders, more changes could be on the horizon before the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. This upcoming series will mark the first in over a decade not to feature Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts, adding to the sense of transformation. A source speaking to The Sun indicated that all current dancers will have meetings in the coming weeks to discuss their futures on the show.
The source explained: "Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era." This move aligns with the broader shake-up, as producers aim to revitalise the programme following various controversies and personnel shifts.
Oti Mabuse, Bill Bailey's former professional partner, left Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. While her sister Motsi Mabuse remains a judge alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke, Oti has since pursued a successful career on ITV, appearing on shows like I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! and Loose Women.
As Strictly Come Dancing navigates these significant changes, Bill Bailey's candid comparison to a cult highlights the unique and enduring impact the show has on its participants, even as it evolves with new talent and directions.
