Overview
- Tour organizers announced on Instagram that Michelle Tsiakkas has decided not to take part in the 2026 Strictly The Professionals tour, saying they are disappointed but respect her decision.
- Multiple outlets, citing unnamed insiders, report that Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas have been told their Strictly contracts will not be renewed.
- A BBC spokesperson said plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course, offering no official confirmation of any personnel changes.
- Separate reports suggest Katya Jones has been kept on with a new contract, with sources describing her as a valued choreographer and viewer favorite.
- Skepticism from a Mirror columnist and on-air comments by pros Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu urge caution over mass-axing claims, as the tour’s cast list still includes Gorka Márquez and Luba Mushtuk.