Overview
- The departures of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Márquez were confirmed in reports first published in March and have been presented as part of a producer-led reshuffle of the pro line‑up.
- Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Márquez delivered emotional goodbyes on the final night of the Strictly The Professionals tour in Blackpool on 30–31 May, with footage of the farewells widely shared on social media.
- The BBC has publicly thanked departing dancers for their contributions and has announced a new presenting team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe for the series return in September.
- Nadiya Bychkova has said she is in talks to return to Strictly in a choreographic capacity while already committed to a 29‑date nationwide show, Jukebox Idols, which begins in early June.
- Producers are recruiting new professionals for the September series and several former pros are pursuing tours, TV offers or behind‑the‑scenes roles, a shift that could change the show’s creative direction and on‑air dynamics.