Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly axed four professional dancers ahead of the 2026 series, in what insiders describe as the show's biggest shakeup to date. Fan-favourite Nadiya Bychkova is said to be 'distraught' after being told by BBC bosses on Friday that she would not be returning. Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas are also believed to have been dropped.
Nadiya, 36, joined the show in 2017 and has danced with partners including Lee Ryan, Matt Goss, Tom Dean, and Chris Robshaw. She came closest to the final in 2021 with Dan Walker, finishing fifth. A source said: 'The news came as such a huge shock, as Nadiya's life was Strictly, and to find out she's not been invited back as a full-time pro has really broken her heart.'
Gorka Marquez, a Spanish choreographer who has been with the show for nearly a decade, reached the final three times with Maisie Smith, Alexandra Burke, and Helen Skelton. He also met his partner Gemma Atkinson on the show. Luba Mushtuk joined eight years ago and has competed with Adam Thomas, while Michelle Tsiakkas joined in 2022 and made it to week 10 in 2024 with Jamie Borthwick.
Insiders say 'major changes are taking place' as bosses want 'a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.' The axed dancers are said to have been informed during meetings over the coming weeks. A Strictly spokesperson told Metro: 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.'
Fans have reacted with dismay on social media, with one calling it a 'big mistake' to drop Nadiya, while another said they were 'heartbroken' for Michelle. Meanwhile, rumours continue about who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts, with Zoe Ball, Emma Willis, and Rylan Clark among the names in the running.
