Overview
- Tour organisers confirmed Michelle Tsiakkas has withdrawn from the 2026 Professionals tour, posting that she "has decided not to take part."
- Multiple outlets report that professional dancers Michelle Tsiakkas, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer and Nadiya Bychkova have not had contracts renewed for the TV series, though the status of Márquez is disputed by a report saying he chose to leave.
- BBC executives are reportedly assessing a reworked presenting format that could include a third host, with a seven-strong shortlist said to feature Alex Jones as a frontrunner and a decision expected by summer.
- A BBC spokesperson reiterated that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course, and the corporation has not announced the full professional or presenting line-up.
- Former pro Kristina Rihanoff highlighted the strain of year-to-year contracts and suggested resting the show for a year, underscoring wider concerns about job security and welfare for dancers.