Strictly Come Dancing Star Michelle Tsiakkas Appears to Confirm Exit Following Major Cast Reshuffle
Professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas has seemingly confirmed her departure from the long-running BBC series Strictly Come Dancing after four years with the show. The 30-year-old Cypriot dancer joined the program in 2022 alongside fellow professionals Dianne Buswell, Graziano Di Prima, Johannes Radebe, and Jowita Prystal.
Cast Bloodbath Rumors Confirmed
Earlier this month, reports emerged suggesting that several dancers were facing the axe from the popular dance competition. Michelle was said to be among those cut from the show alongside Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, and Luba Mushtuk. This news followed the departure announcement from Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving female dancer, who stated it "felt like the right time to close this chapter."
While other dancers have remained silent about their futures on the program, Michelle has now broken her silence regarding her apparent exit. The dancer was filmed leaving a class she taught at former Strictly professional Oti Mabuse's London dance studio this week, where she was approached by photographers.
Emotional Encounter and Professional Decisions
One photographer hugged Michelle and expressed sympathy, saying: "Gutted for you, gutted. It's shocking, heartbreaking." The dancer responded with resignation: "It is what it is," before adding: "Thanks for the support."
Following news that her contract would not be renewed, Michelle made the decision to withdraw from the Strictly Come Dancing Professionals Live Tour 2026. An official statement from the tour's Instagram account confirmed: "Michelle Tsiakkas has decided not to take part in Strictly the Professionals 2026 Tour. We are naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future."
Behind the Scenes Disappointment
Sources close to the dancer revealed that Michelle opted out of the tour to "process" recent developments. A friend told The Sun: "Michelle feels like she's got a lot to process at the moment. She's made a lot of personal sacrifices for the show and was in it for the long term. I think she feels like she was promised one thing but has been given something totally different."
During her four-year tenure on Strictly Come Dancing, Michelle received a celebrity partner only once. In 2024, she was paired with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, with the couple being eliminated in week 10. She also partnered with Westlife's Brian McFadden during last year's Christmas Special.
Previous Disappointments and Future Uncertainty
After not receiving a partner during the most recent season, Michelle expressed her disappointment on Instagram: "To those of you asking how I am, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't gutted but I think that's a normal feeling to have. Last year was my first year with a partner and it made me realise how much I enjoy the process. I think it's the most beautiful and rewarding part of the show."
Insiders suggest that the cast changes represent a broader restructuring effort by show producers. One source explained: "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."
Another insider claimed that affected professionals learned their fates through "brutal" 15-minute phone calls, with some dancers reportedly "distraught" at the developments. Meanwhile, returning professionals are said to include Aljaž Škorjanec, Carlos Gu, and Johannes Radebe.
The BBC is expected to announce official plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 in due course, with the traditional lineup announcement typically occurring every April. The Strictly Come Dancing Professionals Live Tour is scheduled to begin on April 29 and travel throughout the country, concluding at Blackpool Opera House on May 30.
