In a significant development for the beloved BBC dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas has announced her departure from the upcoming Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour. This decision comes in the wake of reports that she has been "axed" from the main television series, alongside several other long-standing dancers.
Tour Organisers Express Disappointment
Organisers of the live tour have confirmed Tsiakkas's withdrawal, issuing a statement via official social media channels. They expressed that they are "naturally disappointed" by her choice but respect her decision and wish her success in future endeavours. Rehearsals for the tour are slated to commence next month, featuring other professionals such as Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Vito Coppola, and newcomers Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr.
Broader Shake-Up at Strictly Come Dancing
The exit of Michelle Tsiakkas is part of a larger transformation sweeping through Strictly Come Dancing. Earlier this week, it was revealed that five professional dancers, including Tsiakkas, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, and Karen Hauer, have been dropped from the show. This move follows the departure of veteran hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in December 2025, signalling a desire among producers for a "fresh start" and a "new era" after recent controversies.
Sources indicate that BBC bosses aim to introduce new faces to revitalise the programme, which has experienced various dramas in recent years. An official announcement regarding the updated professional lineup is expected in due course, though the BBC has not yet commented publicly on the specific axings.
Profiles of the Affected Dancers
Michelle Tsiakkas, a Cypriot dancer who joined Strictly in 2022, was paired with actor Jamie Borthwick in 2024, marking her first celebrity partnership. The duo was eliminated in week 10 of the competition. Gorka Márquez, who has been with the show since 2016, has reached the final three times with partners like Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton, and met his partner Gemma Atkinson on the programme.
Luba Mushtuk debuted eight years ago but has not been assigned a celebrity partner in recent seasons, while Nadiya Bychkova, a cast member since 2017, has competed with figures such as Davood Ghadami without ever making the final. Karen Hauer, the longest-serving professional since her 2010 debut, has danced with stars from Dave Myers to Jamie Laing, finishing as runner-up with the latter.
Uncertainty Over New Hosts
Amid these changes, the question of who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts remains unresolved. Frontrunners for the role reportedly include The One Show's Alex Jones and former It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball, adding to the anticipation for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Independent has reached out to Michelle Tsiakkas for comment on her decision to quit the tour, but no response has been received at this time. As the show undergoes this period of transition, fans await further updates on the future of one of Britain's most iconic entertainment programmes.
