Michelle Tsiakkas Devastated by Sudden Strictly Come Dancing Exit
Michelle Tsiakkas, a 30-year-old professional dancer who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, describes her world crumbling during a abrupt 30-minute video call announcing her dismissal from the show. She burst into tears upon hearing the news, marking the end of four devoted years.
“It felt like my world was falling apart, my dream was shattered,” Michelle stated. “I gave my everything to the show for the four years—it was my whole life. It felt out of the blue. It was very tough. I was heartbroken. I went through so many emotions. I gave my life to Strictly.”
Without a clear reason provided, Michelle finds the decision hard to process. She speculates that recent scandals may prompt major changes, but insists professionals hold no sway over celebrities’ actions. Her former partner, Jamie Borthwick, faced suspension from EastEnders in September after using a derogatory term during the competition, for which he later apologized, expressing deep embarrassment upon learning its offensive impact.
Following the news, Michelle stepped away from the professionals’ live tour. Photographers captured her leaving a class at Oti Mabuse’s dance studio in London, where a supporter hugged her and said, “Gutted for you, gutted. It’s shocking, heartbreaking.” She responded, “It is what it is,” adding, “Thanks for the support.”
Wave of Professional Dancer Cuts
The shake-up extends beyond Michelle, with Karen Hauer (43), Nadiya Bychkova (36), Luba Mushtuk (36), and Gorka Marquez (35) also removed from the lineup. Karen, the show’s longest-serving female dancer, called her exit “stressful and emotional.”
At the LitPet’s Sunday Dog Social in London, alongside her rescue dog Marley, Karen shared: “It’s been a terribly stressful and emotional time and my four dogs have really helped me get through it. What’s just happened is part of life and the stresses that go with it.” She noted how her pets sense her distress and provide comfort.
Social Media Followers Factor In?
Reports indicate producers evaluate professionals’ TikTok followings to attract younger audiences, favoring those with larger online presences. For instance, retained dancer Dianne Buswell (36) has 966,000 followers, compared to axed Nadiya’s 19,000. Similarly, newcomer Alexis Warr (25) boasts 190,000, while Karen has 9,000.
Spin-Off Show Overhaul and Further Changes
Fleur East (38) and Janette Manrara (42) face removal from It Takes Two, the Strictly spin-off, as part of a broader revamp amid ongoing controversies. Insiders describe a push for a fresh start by September, distancing the franchise from past issues, though other opportunities may arise for the hosts.
Neil Jones (43) and Nancy Xu (34), who rarely secure celebrity partners, will lack one again this year but could feature in group routines.
