Strictly Come Dancing Producers Launch Hunt for New Talent After Veteran Dancer Axings
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly on an active hunt for fresh international talent following the controversial axing of several veteran professional dancers from the BBC show. Insiders reveal that one rising star, American dancer D'Angelo Castro, has already caught the eye of producers as they seek to shake up the long-running series.
Major Shakeup Sees Veteran Dancers Depart
BBC fans have been left stunned in recent weeks as multiple favourite professional dancers received their marching orders. The departures include Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Karen Hauer, 43, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35, creating significant vacancies in the professional lineup.
Karen Hauer, who served as Strictly's longest-serving female professional for 13 years, described her departure as "stressful and emotional." In an emotional video statement, the 43-year-old dancer revealed she was choosing to step away from the show to focus on other ventures, becoming tearful as she recalled her journey from "a young girl from the Bronx" to becoming the show's most enduring female professional.
International Talent in Producers' Sights
Sources close to production have confirmed that producers are actively seeking new international talent to revitalize the show. They have reportedly held talks with American dancer D'Angelo Castro after he impressed bosses during a recent visit to the United Kingdom.
The 25-year-old dancer previously appeared on the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, and has built a substantial following on social media platforms. A source told The Sun on Sunday: "Strictly bosses are on the lookout for fresh faces and love the look of D'Angelo. He ticks all the boxes. They hope he could be the new Giovanni Pernice."
Social Media Influence Plays Key Role in Decisions
Insiders suggest that Strictly producers are increasingly considering professional dancers' social media followings when making decisions about the lineup. Sources claim that bosses have prioritized keeping professionals with larger online followings in a bid to attract younger viewers to the show.
This strategy appears evident when comparing dancers' social media statistics. Axed professional Nadiya Bychkova boasts approximately 19,000 followers, while Dianne Buswell, who has retained her place on the show, commands an impressive 966,000 followers. Similarly, Karen Hauer had around 9,000 followers compared to newcomer Alexis Warr's substantial 190,000.
A production source explained: "Strictly is always looking for ways to increase its audience in terms of volume, but also in terms of attracting new, young viewers. Social media is a massive part of broadening that appeal, and TikTok is the perfect medium for a show where music and dance is at the forefront."
Spin-Off Show Also Faces Changes
The shakeup extends beyond the main Strictly Come Dancing program to its spin-off show, It Takes Two. Reports indicate that both Fleur East and Janette Manrara have been axed from the BBC Two weeknight program as bosses plot a major revamp following recent scandals that have rocked the franchise.
Janette Manrara, 42, took over hosting duties in 2021 after eight years as a professional on the main show, while pop star Fleur East, 38, joined the lineup in 2023 after reaching the final the previous year. An industry source revealed: "Fans will be stunned that this bloodbath is continuing, but bosses are determined to overhaul the show completely. Nobody feels safe right now."
Additional Professional Changes Confirmed
Further changes to the professional lineup include Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner on the show, continuing without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34. It's believed both may still appear in group dance numbers despite not being paired with celebrity contestants.
The sweeping changes come as producers aim for what sources describe as "an entirely fresh start" following years of criticism and controversy surrounding professional dancers on the show. The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for official comment regarding these reported changes and casting decisions.
