The glitterball has been rocked by scandal before a single step has been danced, as the BBC's flagship show Strictly Come Dancing is in a state of upheaval. In a shocking pre-series shake-up, two of the show's professional dancers have been abruptly sidelined, leaving producers scrambling just days before the launch.
Behind the Scenes Turmoil
According to insider reports, the professional lineup for the main competition has been finalised, and it does not include fan favourites Neil Jones and Cameron Lombard. While they will remain with the Strictly family for group numbers, they have been denied a celebrity partner for the 2024 run.
This last-minute decision has sent shockwaves through the production team, forcing a complete re-think of the planned partnerships mere days before the launch show is due to be recorded.
A Revolving Door of Talent
The chaos doesn't end there. The show is also grappling with the departure of two other key dancers. Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined the troupe in 2022, has decided not to return. Furthermore, Lauren Oakley, who was promoted to a main pro last year and made a strong impression with partner Nigel Harman, is also reportedly not returning for the new series.
This exodus of talent has created a significant gap in the professional roster, raising serious questions about the stability of the production so close to its premiere.
Who's In and Who's Out?
Despite the turmoil, a core group of beloved professionals is confirmed to be returning. Viewers can expect to see Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, and Katya Jones back on the dancefloor. They will be joined by Graziano Di Prima, Nikita Kuzmin, and Johannes Radebe, among others.
However, the absence of Neil Jones, an integral part of the show since 2016, and the promising Cameron Lombard, is a bitter pill to swallow for many dedicated fans. The reasons behind this dramatic late-stage reshuffle remain firmly behind the scenes, adding to the mystery and drama surrounding the new season.
The 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing is scheduled to begin this autumn on BBC One, but it's clear the real drama is already underway.
