Overview
- Five professionals — Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Marquez — have left ahead of the 2026 series.
- The BBC has not announced the new professional roster or who will replace longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
- A Strictly Professionals live tour runs from April 30 to May 30, with current and departing dancers preparing to perform together across the UK.
- Unnamed insiders claim bosses considered TikTok and other online followings when deciding who stayed, a move not confirmed by the BBC.
- Former judge Arlene Phillips urged ousted dancers to accept rejection as part of the job, highlighting the emotional toll some have described.