Strictly Come Dancing Undergoes Major Cast Shake-Up for 2026 Series
In a significant overhaul of the beloved BBC dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly parting ways with five of its professional dancers ahead of the 2026 series. This move follows the recent departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, signalling a period of transition for the show.
Katya Jones Secures Her Place Amidst Cull
While several professionals face the axe, one standout dancer has been confirmed to return. Katya Jones, a fan favourite since her 2016 debut, is set to remain on the show. A source close to production revealed to MailOnline that BBC bosses were "desperate" to retain Jones, citing her immense popularity and choreographic prowess.
"She is not leaving," the insider stated emphatically. "Katya is remaining on Strictly – the bosses think she's a legend. They know how much viewers love her and they are also in awe of her choreography talents."
Reported Departures of Five Professionals
The dancers believed to have been dropped from the 2026 lineup include:
- Karen Hauer: The show's longest-standing professional, who joined in 2010 and partnered with stars like Dave Myers and Jamie Laing.
- Gorka Márquez: A Spanish dancer who debuted in 2016, reaching the final twice with Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton.
- Luba Mushtuk: A Russian professional who became a Strictly dancer in 2018, competing in four series.
- Michelle Tsiakkas: A Cypriot dancer who joined in 2022, participating in just one series.
- Nadiya Bychkova: A dancer who joined in 2017, known for being paired with taller male contestants like Davood Khadami and Dan Walker.
Fans have expressed support for these departing professionals, particularly Hauer, whose tenure spanned over a decade.
Katya Jones's Storied Strictly Career
Jones, 36, has been a prominent figure on Strictly Come Dancing since her debut. Her career highlights include:
- Winning the 2017 series with Holby City star Joe McFadden.
- Being embroiled in a 2018 scandal after being photographed kissing comedian Seann Walsh, for which she issued a public apology.
- Making history in 2020 as the first professional paired with a same-sex celebrity, boxer Nicola Adams.
- Delivering memorable choreography in 2025 with Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, though their early elimination left Jones in tears on companion show It Takes Two.
Her initial partnership in 2016 was with Good Morning Britain presenter and former politician Ed Balls, cementing her reputation for engaging performances.
BBC's Response and Future Plans
The Independent has reached out to Katya Jones for comment on the developments. A BBC representative provided a standard response, stating that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 would be confirmed in due course. This leaves room for speculation but no official confirmation of the reported changes.
The revamp comes at a pivotal time for the show, as it seeks to refresh its lineup while retaining core elements that resonate with audiences. Jones's retention suggests a balance between innovation and continuity, leveraging her status as a viewer favourite to maintain appeal.
As the 2026 series approaches, fans await further announcements regarding the full professional cast and any additional changes to the format. The reported axings mark a significant shift, potentially opening doors for new talent while honouring the contributions of departing veterans.
