The reported axings are part of the BBC's attempts to freshen up the series following a number of scandals and the departure of presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the Daily Express said. Michelle Tsiakkas, one of the dancers named, joined the show in 2022 and was included once in the main line-up of professionals, partnered with EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick in 2024. She joined the line-up of professionals in 2022 alongside Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, and Lauren Oakley.
Tsiakkas went without a partner for her first two years, and again in 2025 after competing with former soap star Jam. On Sunday, March 8, she shared a post to mark International Women's Day, reflecting on her journey and resilience. Reactions to the reports have emerged on social media.
I love you. I stand with and by you today and everyday! Always.
Tsiakkas's boyfriend and dance partner Simone Arena commented on her post with a supportive message. Fans and Strictly co-stars, including Amy Dowden, Vito Coppola, and Dianne Buswell, flooded the comments with supportive messages. Some fans expressed hope that reports of Tsiakkas being axed were false.
Tsiakkas is yet to comment on her alleged exit, and it remains unclear if Marquez, Mushtuk, and Bychkova are also responding to the reports. The specific scandals and departures that prompted the shake-up have not been detailed, and the official reason for the reported axings, if true, is unknown. The BBC has not announced when the new Strictly Come Dancing professional line-up will be revealed.