Strictly Come Dancing Dancers Face Brutal Axings and Financial Ruin
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have been described as brutal in their handling of professional dancers, with multiple stars reportedly axed without warning ahead of the next series. The BBC dance contest is undergoing another significant shake-up following several seasons of controversy, leaving dancers stunned by the producers' ruthless approach.
Sudden Dismissals and Lack of Support
According to sources, some professional dancers have been informed of their dismissal in a mere 15-minute phone call, even after years of service on the hit show. Nadiya Bychkova has become the fourth professional dancer confirmed not to be returning, following the departures of presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. A source told The Sun: "It’s brutal. Once they’re axed, there is very little in the way of duty of care and they are left to lick their wounds alone." Many dancers feel the BBC has pulled the rug from under them with no prior indication.
Financial Struggles and Career Impacts
While some former dancers, like Anton Du Beke, have successfully transitioned to new roles such as judging, others face severe financial hardship. Professional dancers on Strictly typically earn between £50,000 and £65,000 per series, with opportunities to increase their income. However, stars like Brendan Cole and Kristina Rihanoff have encountered money problems after leaving the show. In November 2021, it was reported that Cole's business collapse led to debts including a £28,000 tax bill and a £50,000 coronavirus bounce-back loan.
Historical Context and Tragic Outcomes
Brendan Cole previously spoke about his own exit in 2018, revealing he received a short phone call ending his nearly 15-year tenure. He said: "I’m a little bit in shock, I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it. It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff." The situation has had darker consequences; former dancer Robin Windsor, who was dropped before the 2015 series, died by suicide. In a note, he linked his struggles to losing his job on Strictly, stating: "The way they treated me destroyed me…it all started me on the road I’m still on." The BBC expressed sympathy at the time, acknowledging the complex factors involved.
Recent Changes and Welfare Measures
In response to incidents and complaints, the show announced additional steps in 2024 to strengthen welfare and support for participants. This move aims to address the lack of duty of care highlighted by recent axings. Despite these measures, the current wave of dismissals underscores ongoing challenges within the production, as dancers grapple with sudden career changes and financial instability.
