The world of Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by a significant departure, as professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas has quit the upcoming Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour. This move comes in the wake of reports that she has been axed from the main BBC series lineup, alongside several other long-standing dancers.
Tour Organisers Express Disappointment Over Decision
In a statement released on the tour's official social media channels, organisers confirmed Tsiakkas's withdrawal. They noted, "Michelle Tsiakkas has decided not to take part in 'Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour.' We are naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future." Rehearsals for the tour are scheduled to commence next month, featuring other professionals such as Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Vito Coppola, and newcomers Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr.
A Wave of Change Hits Strictly Come Dancing
The celebrity dance competition is undergoing a period of substantial transformation. This follows the departure of veteran hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in December 2025, and now includes a major shake-up among the professional dancers. Earlier this week, it was reported that Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, along with Gorka Márquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, and Karen Hauer, 43, have been dropped from the show.
A source close to the production suggested that BBC bosses are seeking a fresh start, aiming to introduce new faces and create a new era for the programme after recent years of drama. An official announcement regarding this year's professional lineup is expected from the BBC in due course.
Profiles of the Affected Dancers
Michelle Tsiakkas, the Cypriot dancer who joined Strictly in 2022, was paired with her first celebrity partner, actor Jamie Borthwick, in 2024. Their journey ended in week 10 of the competition. Her decision to quit the tour appears to be a direct response to her removal from the series.
Gorka Márquez, who joined in 2016, has been a fan favourite, reaching the final three times with partners Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton. He also met his partner, Gemma Atkinson, on the show in 2017. Despite the axing, Márquez is still set to participate in the professionals tour.
Luba Mushtuk first appeared on Strictly eight years ago but has not been paired with a celebrity contestant in recent seasons. She will also remain on the tour roster.
Nadiya Bychkova, a cast member since 2017, has danced with celebrities like Davood Ghadami and Dan Walker but has never advanced to the final.
Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving professional since her 2010 debut, has been partnered with a diverse array of stars, from the late Hairy Bikers chef Dave Myers to Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing, with whom she finished as runner-up.
Uncertainty Surrounds Host Replacements
With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman having stepped down, a major question looms over who will take over hosting duties. Frontrunners for the role are rumoured to include The One Show presenter Alex Jones and Zoe Ball, who previously hosted the companion series Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
This period of upheaval marks a pivotal moment for Strictly Come Dancing, as it seeks to reinvent itself amidst significant cast and hosting changes. The impact of these decisions on the show's future popularity and dynamic remains to be seen.
