Speculation about a major Strictly Come Dancing shake-up has been swirling for weeks — and there appears be proof that at least some of the rumours are true.
Recent reports claimed the BBC show was planning a mass cull of professional dancers, with as many as five pros said to have been axed, including long-time fan favourite Karen Hauer.
Now Michelle Tsiakkas has confirmed her decision to quit the Strictly Professionals Tour, further reinforcing the recent headlines.
Here’s all the evidence that Michelle is leaving Strictly for good:
Has Michelle quit the Strictly tour?
In a formal statement released on their Instagram page, Strictly Come Dancing have officially confirmed that Michelle will no longer be a part of the upcoming tour.
Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and was paired with actor Jamie Borthwick in 2024 (Series 22).
“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. We look forward to starting the tour rehearsals early next month with Julian, Vito, Neil, Gorka, Lauren, Jowita, Luba, Alexis, Kai and Nancy.”
The wording of the message has prompted a lot of speculation among fans.
Many believe that the line wishing Michelle “every success for the future” sounds like it’s a permanent end to her relationship with the show – a potential confirmation that the axing rumours are true.
Has Michelle been 'axed' from Strictly?
At present, the statement only confirms her withdrawal from the 2026 Professionals Tour.
But Michelle’s own social media posts have also fuelled rumours that she was indeed 'axed' from the series line-up.
In a post Michelle made on the weekend, she said: “There were moments that shaped her, challenged her and quietly changed her. But somehow, through it all, she never lost her sparkle.”
The message — which spoke about finding the light again after difficult moments — struck many fans as a nod to her departure from the show.
Meanwhile, speaking about the shake-up, inside sources told the Daily Mail: "It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new."
Another added: "It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show."
We are still awaiting confirmation on the reports, with the BBC yet to clarify which professional dancers have officially been dropped, and whether the rumours are true.
In a statement made to Cosmopolitan UK, a spokesperson for the BBC previously said: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."
Cosmopolitan UK has reached out to the professional dancers' representatives for comment.
