Strictly Come Dancing Star Michelle Tsiakkas Posts Heartfelt Message Following Show Exit
Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas has shared a poignant and reflective social media post after it was revealed she is among four dancers being cut from the BBC competition. The 30-year-old dancer posted on Instagram to mark International Women's Day, sharing a childhood photograph alongside a touching message about resilience and personal growth.
BBC's Strictly Refresh Leads to Professional Dancer Cull
The BBC is undertaking what insiders describe as a 'complete refresh' of the popular dance competition following a series of scandals and the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Michelle Tsiakkas is reportedly among four professional dancers - alongside Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, and Luba Mushtuk - who have been informed they will not be returning for the upcoming series.
While Michelle has not directly commented on her alleged axing from the show, her Sunday Instagram post carried significant emotional weight. Alongside an adorable childhood photograph, she penned: 'From the little girl with sparkle in her eyes, full of hope and innocent dreams… to the woman who has seen more of life than she ever imagined.'
Message of Resilience and Strength
In what many interpreted as an allusion to her Strictly departure, Michelle's message continued: 'There were moments that shaped her, challenged her and quietly changed her. But somehow, through it all, she never lost her sparkle. Because strength isn’t about never breaking… it’s about finding the light again, even after the storm.'
She concluded her International Women's Day tribute by addressing her followers: 'To every woman who is still standing, still growing, still shining in her own way - may you never forget the little girl inside you who first believed you could do anything.'
Outpouring of Support from Strictly Colleagues and Fans
The post prompted an immediate flood of supportive comments from fellow Strictly professionals including Amy Dowden, Vito Coppola, and Dianne Buswell, alongside television presenter Scarlett Moffatt who competed in last year's Christmas special.
Michelle's longtime boyfriend and dance partner, Simone Arena, publicly reshared her post to his Instagram Stories with the caption: 'I love you ❤️ I stand with and by you today and everyday ! Always ❤️'
Fans also expressed their dismay at the reports of her departure, with many pleading in the comments:
- 'Tell me it's not true WE LOVE YOU MICHELLE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️'
- 'Oh no, is it true? Why?'
- 'I really hope its untrue, and you're not dropped from scd. A few could be dropped, not you!'
Michelle's Strictly Journey and Recent Controversies
Michelle joined the BBC competition in 2022 alongside fellow professionals including Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, and Lauren Oakley. However, she didn't receive a celebrity partner until two years later when she was paired with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick in the 2024 series. The couple made it to week 10 before being eliminated.
The following year, Michelle was once again left without a partner for the main series, though she did compete in the Christmas special alongside former Westlife star Brian McFadden. Her sole main series partner, Jamie Borthwick, was at the centre of two Strictly scandals last year involving an ableist slur backstage and an alleged inappropriate nickname during a photocall.
Broader Strictly Shake-up and Ageism Allegations
The reported cull of four professional dancers forms part of a broader shake-up at Strictly Come Dancing. Friends of Nadiya Bychkova, who joined the show eight years ago, have reportedly accused the BBC of ageism following her axing. 'Her axing smacks of ageism,' they told The Sun. 'Nadiya's one of the most popular dancers so she can't understand why she won't be back, she's devastated. The show is her life.'
Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez has been on the show for a decade, reaching the final three times with different partners. He met his British fiancé Gemma Atkinson on the show in 2017, and the couple have since welcomed two children together.
Luba Mushtuk, who joined the show in 2017, partnered with celebrities including rower James Cracknell and TV presenter Nick Knowles, with her longest competition stint being with actor Adam Thomas where they finished in 9th place.
Strictly's Turbulent Period and Fresh Start
The BBC's decision to refresh the Strictly lineup comes after a turbulent period for the show. The program has been hit by a string of scandals including claims of drug taking and abusive behaviour toward contestants by professional dancers.
In 2024, pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima both left the show under controversial circumstances. Graziano departed after allegations that he had stamped on his partner Zara McDermott, while Giovanni was investigated by the BBC over bullying allegations made by his partner Amanda Abbington, some of which were upheld.
Producers are said to want a 'fresh start' for the dance show with new presenters to be announced soon following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's decision to step down. There is no suggestion that any of the four professionals reportedly being cut have been involved in any wrongdoing.
