Strictly Come Dancing Professional Michelle Tsiakkas Withdraws from 2026 Live Tour
In a significant development for the popular dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas has announced she will not participate in the 2026 Professionals live tour. This decision comes amid widespread reports of a major shake-up among the show's pro dancers, with several long-standing figures reportedly being dropped from the main series.
Official Announcement and Tour Details
The news was confirmed through an official post on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour's Instagram account. The statement read: '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.' The tour is scheduled to commence on April 29 and will travel across the country, concluding at the Blackpool Opera House on May 30.
Rehearsals for the tour are set to begin early next month, featuring other professional dancers including Julian, Vito, Neil, Gorka, Lauren, Jowita, Luba, Alexis, Kai, and Nancy. This lineup highlights the ongoing changes within the Strictly ensemble, as some familiar faces step back while others continue.
Background and Recent Developments
Michelle Tsiakkas, a 30-year-old Cypriot dancer, joined the BBC's long-running dance competition in 2022. She gained prominence during the 2024 season when she performed with celebrity partner Jamie Borthwick. However, in the latest season, she did not receive a celebrity partner, which coincided with the departure of co-hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. At the time, Michelle expressed her disappointment, stating: 'To those of you asking how I am, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't gutted but I think that's a normal feeling to have. Last year was my first year with a partner and it made me realise how much I enjoy the process. I think it's the most beautiful and rewarding part of the show.'
Reports indicate that Michelle, along with Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk, was among the first professionals to be reported as dropped from the main show. This was followed by the exit of the longest-serving current pro, Karen Hauer, and Nadiya Bychkova. Additionally, insiders have revealed that Neil Jones and Nancy Xu have been benched and will not receive celebrity partners in the upcoming autumn season.
Insider Perspectives and Industry Reactions
Sources close to the production have described the process as 'brutal', with affected professionals allegedly learning their fates through brief 15-minute phone calls. One insider claimed that stars like Nadiya were 'distraught' at the developments. Another source told The Sun: 'There are major changes taking place with dancers having meetings about their contracts over the next few weeks. Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.'
Michelle has not directly addressed the recent rumours of her axing from the show or her decision to step back from the live tour. However, in a poignant post marking International Women's Day, she shared a childhood photo with a caption reflecting on resilience: 'There were moments that shaped her, challenged her and quietly changed her. But somehow, through it all, she never lost her sparkle. Because strength isn't about never breaking… it's about finding the light again, even after the storm.'
Broader Context and Future Implications
This shake-up occurs against a backdrop of ongoing changes within Strictly Come Dancing, including the departure of key hosts and a push for renewal after recent controversies. The show's producers appear to be aiming for a 'fresh start', potentially introducing new professional dancers to revitalise the format. As the 2026 live tour approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how these adjustments impact the dynamic of the beloved series.
For further updates on Strictly Come Dancing and other TV news, viewers can sign up for personalised newsletters to stay informed. The entertainment industry continues to evolve, with such decisions highlighting the competitive and ever-changing nature of television production.
