Strictly Pro Aljaž Škorjanec Addresses Major Cast 'Bloodbath' and His Future
Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaž Škorjanec has publicly commented for the first time on what fans have termed a 'bloodbath' of axings from the BBC dance competition. The show recently underwent a significant reshuffle, with five familiar faces departing the series in one of the largest cast shake-ups in recent years.
Major Reshuffle Sees Five Dancers Exit
The exiting dancers include Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. This move has sparked considerable discussion among the show's dedicated fanbase, with many expressing shock and disappointment at the loss of such established professionals.
Aljaž, speaking exclusively to the Mirror, shared his perspective on the changes. 'It's always sad to see someone go,' he acknowledged, 'but it's equally exciting to see new faces, fresh energy, and people who bring something different.'
Aljaž's Future on Strictly Remains Uncertain
When questioned about his own potential return to the ballroom this year, Aljaž remained cautious. 'They don't announce the names of dancers returning until it's confirmed,' he explained. 'Whatever the Strictly bosses do, it's in the interest of the show, and we always support their decisions.'
This statement comes amid growing speculation about which professionals will remain with the series following the dramatic cull.
Karen Hauer's Emotional Response to Axing
Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has returned to social media following news that her contract would not be renewed. The 43-year-old professional is reportedly 'distraught' after being informed by BBC bosses last week.
She shared low-key photographs with her dogs, captioned: 'Joey & Marley working the camera. Too early for Phoebe and I to be bothered.' While Karen has not directly addressed her departure, fans have flooded her posts with supportive messages, many criticising the producers' decision.
- 'So sorry Karen, loved seeing you on Strictly over the years'
- 'That's it. No more Strictly for me without you. Cannot possibly understand why they're letting you go'
- 'Very disappointed to read the news, you and Gorka are utterly joyful. Sending much love and hope the news is wrong. Another mess up by the Beeb IMHO'
- 'As the others say if it’s true that you’re not on strictly this year I am very sad, The BBC must be mad'
- 'It's disgusting how the strictly producers have treated the longest serving professional dancer sorry but you were always my favourite strictly dancer'
- 'I just saw the news. Legit question, has someone behind the scenes of strictly had a sudden mental breakdown and now they are sacking everyone?'
Inside Sources Reveal Details of the Shake-up
According to insiders speaking to the Daily Mail, all professional dancers on Strictly are already aware of their fate for the upcoming series. One source revealed: 'Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year. It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.'
A second source added: 'It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show. Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future. She works as a choreographer and knows she can focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry.'
The insider also suggested that Aljaž Škorjanec may not return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have reportedly been given approval to stay.
Karen Hauer's Legacy on Strictly Come Dancing
Karen joined Strictly in 2012 and has since become one of its most recognisable figures. Her last celebrity partner was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The previous year, she danced with former footballer Paul Merson, and in 2023, she partnered with comedian Eddie Kadi.
She demonstrated her versatility as a choreographer by performing with comic Jayde Adams in 2022, following Katya Jones as the second female professional to participate in a same-sex pairing on the show.
The departure of Karen, along with Gorka, Nadiya, Luba, and Michelle, marks a significant turning point for Strictly Come Dancing as it prepares for its next season with a potentially refreshed lineup of professional dancers.
