Michelle Tsiakkas has become the latest professional dancer to be dropped from Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer confirmed her exit in a video shared on TikTok, where she was seen looking dejected and stating: “It is what it is.”
Tsiakkas, who joined the BBC show in 2022, was filmed alongside her boyfriend and choreographer Simone Arena. When asked if Arena would ever take part in the UK version, the couple laughed and gave a definitive no, with Tsiakkas joking he is now “banned”.
She has also withdrawn from the forthcoming Strictly: The Professionals 2026 Tour. The official Instagram account for the tour expressed disappointment but respected her decision, adding that rehearsals would begin shortly with the remaining professionals.
A friend revealed that Tsiakkas has “a lot to process” following the decision. The dancer is among several professionals reportedly being cut from the show, including Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Nadiya Bychkova.
