Strictly Come Dancing’s strategy for brutal axings ‘revealed’ as bloodbath of top talent continues

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Sources say that Strictly Come Dancing producers used TikTok data to help decide which professional dancers wouldn’t be returning for the next season, as part of a larger cut to the cast.

Many fans have been surprised to see several popular professional dancers – including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Márquez – leave the show in recent weeks.

Some people are suggesting that the show has been prioritizing contestants with large social media followings over more talented dancers who aren’t as popular on TikTok, in an attempt to appeal to a younger viewership.

It seems Naidya, who has 19,000 followers, has been cut from the show, while Dianne Buswell, also 36 and with a much larger following of 966,000, remains a contestant.

Karen, who has been a dancer on Strictly for many years, has 9,122 followers. In contrast, newcomer Alexis Warr, 25, already has a much larger following of 190,000.

Naidya’s situation is comparable; she has 19,000 followers. However, Dianne Buswell, age 36, remains in the competition with a much larger following of 966,000.

According to a source, ‘Strictly’ is constantly trying to grow its viewership, both by reaching more people overall and by appealing to a younger audience.

A source explained to The Sun that social media is key to reaching a wider audience, and TikTok is an ideal platform for a show heavily featuring music and dance.

Being popular on TikTok won’t automatically secure someone’s place on the team, but it could be the deciding factor that keeps them from being cut.

Daily Mail have contacted BBC for comment. 

It comes after dancer Karen branded her axing from the show ‘stressful and emotional’.

She spent her Sunday at a dog-friendly event called LitPet’s Dog Social, held at the stylish 180 House in London. She brought Marley, one of her four rescued dogs, and often posts about her pets online.

She described her recent career change as a very difficult and emotional experience, but said her four dogs provided much-needed support. She acknowledged that setbacks are a normal part of life and come with their own challenges.

Karen explained that her dogs are sensitive to her feelings and have been a great source of support, especially during difficult times. She noted they clearly pick up on her stress and have helped her cope.

News suggests that Fleur East and Janette Manrara have also been let go from It Takes Two, the Strictly Come Dancing companion show.

As a longtime fan, I’m hearing rumors that the BBC2 weeknight show is facing some big changes. Apparently, those in the know are saying bosses are planning a major overhaul, especially after all the recent controversies and scandals. It sounds like they’re really trying to shake things up!

Janette, a former professional dancer on Strictly, became a host in 2021 after eight years as a performer. Pop singer Fleur joined the show in 2023, following a successful run to the final in 2022.

But now both stars are said to be in the firing line as executives push for a bold new direction.

An insider told The Sun that viewers will be shocked the show is still so violent, but those in charge are committed to making big changes.

People are feeling insecure and there’s a strong push to start a new chapter after everything that’s happened recently.

Look, all I want is for the show to come back strong, like really strong, by September. They need to just wipe the slate clean and forget all the drama from the last few years, you know? It’s time to move on and focus on what made us fall in love with it in the first place. Seriously, just leave all that negativity behind!

A TV insider said the BBC’s recent decisions don’t necessarily mean Janette and Fleur won’t be involved in future projects, and they could potentially appear in different roles on the channel.

Daily Mail has contacted representatives of Fleur, Janette and the BBC for comment.

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2026-03-24 04:27