Strictly Come Dancing Professionals Face Brutal Axing Process
In a dramatic shakeup of the beloved BBC dance competition, four popular Strictly Come Dancing professionals have reportedly been dropped from the upcoming series, with some learning their fate through what sources describe as "brutal" 15-minute phone calls.
The Axed Professionals
According to television insiders, Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez, Russian-born Luba Mushtuk, newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas, and Ukrainian professional Nadiya Bychkova will not return when Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens this autumn. The news has sent shockwaves through the show's dedicated fanbase, with many expressing heartbreak over the departures.
Meanwhile, co-stars Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will reportedly remain with the program but will not be assigned celebrity partners for the upcoming season. They may still feature in group routines, according to sources familiar with the production plans.
The Controversial Notification Process
In the most controversial aspect of this shakeup, sources claim BBC bosses informed some professional dancers of their axing in phone calls lasting just 15 minutes, catching them completely off guard. A source told The Sun: "It's brutal. Once they're axed, there is very little in the way of duty of care, and they are left to lick their wounds alone."
The insider added: "Some of the dancers have been told their fate in a 15-minute phone call, even when they'd been on the show for years. Many of them feel like the BBC has pulled the rug from under them, with no warning."
BBC's Welfare Measures
Metro understands that the BBC has implemented welfare measures to support its stars, particularly following 2024 claims of physical and verbal bullying in the training room. According to the BBC's website, a production team member is now present in the training room at all times, with designated Welfare Producers hired specifically for both celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
Additional training has been delivered to production teams and crew members. At the time these changes were implemented, the BBC stressed that duty of care is "taken extremely seriously." Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, previously stated: "The decisive steps we have taken act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production."
Impact on the Professionals
The axing has reportedly devastated the affected professionals. Spanish pro Gorka Marquez has enjoyed a successful decade-long run on Strictly, reaching the final three times with partners Maisie Smith, Alexandra Burke, and Helen Skelton. His popularity soared to such heights that he was forced to miss most of last series due to his judging role on Strictly's Spanish edition.
Luba Mushtuk joined the show eight years ago, partnering with celebrities including Adam Thomas and Nick Knowles, though she never reached the final and was benched several times. Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined the Strictly family in 2022, impressed audiences with her partnership with Jamie Borthwick, though some believe her fate was sealed when the EastEnders actor became embroiled in a scandal involving a disabled slur backstage.
Nadiya Bychkova, who joined Strictly in 2017 alongside Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell, quickly became one of the show's most captivating professionals. The closest she came to victory was in 2021 when broadcaster Dan Walker finished in fifth place. Her other celebrity partners included Matt Goss, Lee Ryan, and Tom Dean.
Broader Context of the Shakeup
This major shakeup comes as Strictly Come Dancing prepares to enter a new chapter without longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Sources claim higher-ups are keen to start afresh with the program following several controversies that have tainted the nation's favorite dance show in recent years.
These controversies include the so-called Strictly relationship curse, a lengthy bullying investigation, inappropriate comments from former contestant Wynne Evans, and most recently, a drug probe. A source explained to The Sun: "There are major changes taking place, with dancers having meetings about their contracts over the next few weeks. Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years, and create a new era."
Last series saw newcomers Julian Caillon and Alexis Warr join the roster and become instant hits with audiences. Julian survived the most dance-offs ever with partner Balvinder Sopal, while Alexis made the final with George Clarke. If sources are to be believed, there are still plenty more new professionals for audiences to meet in the upcoming season.
The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding these reports. The speculation continues to cause carnage online, with Strictly fans now facing a nervous wait to find out the complete professional lineup for the upcoming season.
