BBC ‘may axe even more Strictly professionals in HUGE shake-up ahead of the next series – and even fan favourites Karen Hauer and Katya Jones may be at risk’

by

There may be even more professional dancers facing the axe from the Strictly Come Dancing line up.

Recent reports indicate that several professional dancers, including Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, have been let go.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman haven’t been replaced as hosts, and the show is still searching for new presenters after their departure at the end of the last season.

A recent report suggests further changes are possible to the professional dancers on the show, as BBC executives continue a major overhaul of the program after 22 years.

Long-time popular dancers like Karen Hauer, 43, and Katya Jones, 36, might also be affected.

Karen has been a professional dancer on the show the longest of any woman, joining in 2012, but she’s never won. Katya has been with the show for ten years and won once, in 2017, with her partner, actor Joe McFadden.

According to a source speaking to The Sun, the professional dancers on the show haven’t had a major shake-up in a while, though these changes typically happen every few years.

Producers see things similarly to how a football manager operates. Just like Manchester City keeps making changes to their winning team and bringing in new players to maintain their success, producers constantly refresh their projects to stay competitive.

It’s crazy seeing all these huge stars who were on the show, honestly! But I always remind myself, even they weren’t originally supposed to be there. Someone else had to leave for them to get their chance, you know? It just makes me think about how different things could have been!

The BBC has been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.

Nadiya showed off her amazing physique in a white bikini on Instagram, seemingly unbothered by her elimination from Strictly Come Dancing on Monday.

The 36-year-old professional dancer has been let go from the show as the BBC attempts a major revamp following recent controversies and the exit of hosts Tess and Claudia.

Nadiya appeared cheerful and confident in a recent bikini photo taken during her lavish vacation at the Regnum The Crown resort in Turkey, where accommodations cost around £3,000 per night.

Nadiya was reportedly very upset after being eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on Monday. Friends have suggested the show unfairly targeted older contestants in a recent round of eliminations.

Nadiya has been a professional on Strictly Come Dancing for eight years, during which she’s danced with celebrities like TV’s Dan Walker, singer Matt Goss, and actor Davood Ghadami.

A friend of the dancer has reportedly hit out at the axing and taken aim at the BBC.  

‘Her axing smacks of ageism,’ a friend reportedly told The Sun.

According to sources, Nadiya is very upset about not returning to the show, as it’s her passion and she’s a fan favorite. She’s struggling to understand the decision.

Long-serving pro Gorka Marquez is also out in the cull – as are Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.

The publication also announced that two additional celebrities won’t be participating in the next season.

Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, won’t be paired with celebrities on this year’s show, as they’ve also been removed from that role.

They might still be involved in group dances, however, unlike Nadiya, Gorka, Luba and Michelle. 

The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC and representatives for Nadiya, Neil and Nancy for comment. 

Last year Nadiya was partnered with rugby player Chris Robshaw.

Read More

2026-03-10 11:50