The BBC has confirmed that Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas has been axed from the show, days after reports she was seeking therapy. The 30-year-old, who joined the BBC dance competition in 2022, is among several fan favourites cut from the roster, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez.
In a statement, the BBC thanked Tsiakkas for her contributions over four series, praising her 'professionalism, respect and kindness' with celebrity partners. Tsiakkas, who danced with EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick in 2022, finishing seventh, did not receive a celebrity partner the following year.
Tsiakkas shared her own emotional statement on social media, saying the show 'has been a big part of my life' and that she had 'hoped to have more time' to show her abilities. She explained her decision to pull out of the Pro Tour in May was because she knew she 'wouldn't have been able to give her very best'.
Speaking to The Sun, Tsiakkas revealed she was axed during a 30-minute Zoom meeting with a Strictly executive, describing herself as 'heartbroken' and feeling 'grief'. She said she was 'not given a reason' for her dismissal, which made the news harder to process, and drew comparisons to late Strictly star Robin Windsor, who took his own life in 2024.
Tsiakkas said she has sought therapy to navigate her emotions, stating: 'Strictly brings so much fame and exposure and then to lose it in a moment is really tough mentally.' She added that she is 'excited for a fresh chapter' and thanked fans for their support.
