Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas has confirmed her new role as an ambassador for the mental health charity SANE, following her exit from the BBC One dance show.
Tsiakkas, who left Strictly after four years, said in March that she had 'hoped for more time' when she announced her departure. Her exit came amid reports that she was among a number of professionals leaving the show ahead of the 2026 series.
The BBC also confirmed that fans would say goodbye to dancers Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez before Strictly's 2026 series, which is set to begin in September.
Emotional statement on leaving Strictly
Sharing her statement at the time, Tsiakkas said: "Hi everyone, I wanted to share an update with you. I won't be returning to Strictly this year. This has been an emotional time for me because Strictly has been a big part of my life, not just over the past 4 years but for as long as I can remember. It's a show that I'll always hold close to my heart."
She added: "I want to thank the team for being supportive during this period, offering help and giving me the time and space to talk things through and process the news. Of course, as professionals on the show we can never assume our places are guaranteed, but I hoped to have more time. I wish I could have shown you more of what I can do, but I'm grateful for every experience and every chance I had to share my passion and connect with the audience."
Tsiakkas also revealed she had pulled out of the Pro Tour in May, saying: "I've also had to make the very hard decision to pull out from the Pro Tour in May. I was really looking forward to performing for you all and sharing the stage with my friends, but I know that right now I wouldn't have been able to give you my very best, and you deserve the best. After reflection, I believe this was the best decision for me, and your understanding and support have meant a lot."
New ambassador role with SANE
While her former co-stars have headed into rehearsals for Strictly's upcoming return, Tsiakkas is looking to the future away from dancing. She has joined SANE as its newest ambassador, alongside the likes of Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, who became an ambassador after the death of her close friend and former Strictly pro Robin Windsor.
When the news was announced, Tsiakkas said: "I love your charity. I think that you do amazing work. And I know that you have a small team, but the impact that you have on people's lives is absolutely massive and it would make me so happy to be able to contribute to the amazing work that you do."
A video of her interview with the charity has been reshared on Instagram, and fans were quick to show their support. @ashleigh_sarah_luckhurst said: "Michelle is an incredible lady! She is so incredibly talented in so many ways from her dancing to baking to drawing etc but not only that she is a beautiful, kind, ambitious, empathetic person. You couldn't have a better ambassador for your charity."
@janey__j replied: "What a great interview discussing the charity & importance of mental health. You couldn't have a better ambassador!" @nyealison added: "Michelle is so talented and has a wonderful heart. You couldn't have a better ambassador."
