Strictly’s Michelle Tsiakkas QUITS live tour after being ‘axed from main show’ in midst of BBC bloodbath – as bosses state they are ‘naturally disappointed but respect her decision’

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Michelle Tsiakkas, a judge on the show Strictly Come Dancing, has left the current live tour. Reports suggest she was removed from the program, which has been facing difficulties.

I was so excited for the tour, which was supposed to start in April, but I just saw on the official Instagram that Michelle won’t be joining us anymore. It’s really disappointing, but I’m hoping everything is okay with her.

Michelle Tsiakkas won’t be joining the 2026 Strictly The Professionals tour. While we’re sad to see her go, we understand and support her choice, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

We’re excited to begin tour rehearsals with Julian, Vito, Neil, Gorka, Lauren, Jowita, Luba, Alexis, Kai, and Nancy early next month.

After Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left the show, BBC has made significant changes. Michelle has been removed from the professional dancer lineup, joining Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Márquez.

Just days ago, Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen, who has been with the show since 2012 and is one of its most experienced dancers, was told her contract wouldn’t be renewed, according to an exclusive report in The Daily Mail.

The show has seen some cast changes, but Katya Jones will be returning and has signed a new contract.

This follows the recent departures of Michelle, Karen, Nadiya, Luba, and Gorka from the show. Sources say all the professional dancers knew these changes were coming.

According to a source at the Daily Mail, Karen is the newest professional dancer who won’t have her contract renewed this season.

After many years on the show, Karen, the longest-serving female dancer, learned last week that she will not be returning to Strictly. It’s a changing of the guard, with new dancers taking her place.

Another source said it’s heartbreaking for the professional dancers who have built their careers around the show.

Karen was clearly distressed by the news, but she’s determined to stay optimistic. She’s a choreographer and plans to dedicate more time to her creative work, alongside her existing fitness career.

Leaders are reportedly planning a complete reset after years of complaints and issues with the professional dancers.

Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, will both be paired with non-celebrity partners this season, continuing a trend for both dancers who haven’t often been matched with stars on the show.

It’s believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers. 

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2026-03-12 17:50