Overview
- Former professional James Jordan said on Monday that the BBC's recent removal of several long‑serving Strictly dancers amounted to a needed shake‑up and described some exits as 'getting rid of dead wood'.
- Fellow ex‑pro Ian Waite publicly disagreed, saying the programme 'got rid of the wrong ones' and arguing that many departing dancers remain talented and deserved chances to continue.
- The BBC has already confirmed a new presenting trio of Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and multiple professionals — including Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez — will not return.
- Several former Strictly stars, including Jordan and Waite, will join a 30‑date commercial tour called Vegas: After Hours running from October 3 to November 8, 2026, showing how departed professionals are monetising their profiles outside the BBC.
- Commentary from ex‑pros centres on two practical issues for the show: calls for fresher talent and sharper judging versus worries that the wrong experienced dancers were cut, a debate that could influence audience expectations and BBC casting ahead of the 2026 series.