Strictly Come Dancing has undergone a significant transformation in recent months, with several professional dancers departing the show ahead of its upcoming series. The long-running BBC programme, which traditionally airs in the autumn, has confirmed which dancers will and will not be returning to the ballroom floor this year.
Which professionals have been dropped?
The professionals who will not be returning are Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova, and Gorka Márquez. While most of these dancers were reportedly let go by BBC bosses as part of a major shake-up, it is believed that Gorka made the personal decision to leave the show voluntarily.
Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined Strictly in 2022, shared her emotional reaction to the news. Speaking to The Sun in March, she revealed that she was informed of her dismissal during a 30-minute video call with producers, during which she burst into tears. "I didn't see it coming. I thought I had more time. When the producer told me I wasn't coming back, there was a moment of shock. I felt my story was unfinished. It felt out of the blue. It was very tough. I was heartbroken," she said.
Which professionals are returning?
The dancers confirmed to be returning this year include Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, and Vito Coppola.
The judging panel will remain unchanged, with Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood all set to return to evaluate the celebrities' performances.
New professionals and hosts on the way
In addition to the returning dancers, the BBC has announced that new professional dancers will join the lineup this year. The identities of these new stars will be confirmed closer to the series premiere, which is expected in September. Furthermore, Strictly will welcome new hosts following the departure of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their exit last year and bid farewell in December 2025. The new hosts will be revealed in due course.
The full list of professionals and judges has been confirmed after a dramatic shake-up that has reshaped the show's roster. Fans can look forward to another season of dazzling performances when the series returns later this year.
