Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reported to have axed three professional dancers from the BBC programme. Show stars Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, have reportedly been dropped from the line-up.
The Spanish-born performer, who is engaged to actress and radio personality Gemma Atkinson, has since spoken out but did not address the recent reports. Instead, Gorka shared a post to mark International Women's Day on Sunday (March 8). In a black and white video on his Instagram Stories, he panned the camera to his partner and two others, saying, 'All the women in the house today... and Ryan.'
Gorka first appeared on Strictly in 2016, and while he did not have a celebrity partner last year, he remained involved in the routines and the final show. In late 2025, he balanced his UK role by working as a judge on the Spanish version of the show, Bailando con las Estrellas. Luba joined the series in 2018, while Michelle joined in 2022.
According to The Sun, major changes are taking place while the dancers are having meetings about their contracts, but it is said that bosses are keen for a 'fresh start' and want to bring new people in to create 'a new era'. The move follows the departure of Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down last year after over a decade in their roles.
A BBC spokesperson told Express.co.uk: 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.' Express.co.uk has contacted Gorka Marquez's representatives for comment.
