Strictly Come Dancing Star Michelle Tsiakkas Turns to Therapy After Sudden Dismissal
Professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas has publicly revealed she is seeking therapeutic support following her unexpected removal from the BBC's flagship entertainment program Strictly Come Dancing. The 30-year-old performer, who joined the show in 2022, was informed of her departure during a brief thirty-minute virtual meeting with a show executive, an experience she describes as emotionally devastating.
The Sudden Axing and Emotional Fallout
In a candid interview with The Sun, Tsiakkas detailed the moment she received the news, expressing profound shock and a sense of unfinished business. "I didn't see it coming. I thought I had more time," she confessed. "When she told me I wasn't coming back, there was a moment of shock. I felt my story was unfinished."
The dancer characterized the dismissal as "out of the blue," leading to what she termed a period of "grief" and heartbreak. "Everything I have known for the past four years has gone," Tsiakkas explained. "Your brain goes through change and panic. It was so sudden, I had a feeling of hopelessness."
Compounding her distress was the lack of explanation for her removal. "I was not given a reason," she stated, making the news even more difficult to process emotionally.
Connection to Past Tragedy and Mental Health Awareness
Tsiakkas drew parallels between her experience and that of late Strictly star Robin Windsor, who died by suicide in 2024 at age 44. An inquest earlier this month concluded that Windsor's death followed significant mental health deterioration stemming from childhood trauma, heartache, and depression. Jurors at West London Coroner's Court heard that Windsor left a note indicating that his treatment when dropped from the BBC show had "destroyed" him.
"Strictly brings so much fame and exposure and then to lose it in a moment is really tough mentally," Tsiakkas reflected. "It was really tough for Robin. For me, it's been a couple of weeks now since I got the news and things are improving. I think it's just that journey that you go through."
The dancer emphasized mental health as "a huge thing" and described the "whiplash" effect of transitioning from the show's intense spotlight to sudden obscurity.
Broader Cast Changes and Controversial Partnership
Tsiakkas was among several professional dancers cut from the Strictly roster, including fan favorites Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Marquez. While she doesn't believe her dismissal was directly related to scandal surrounding her 2024 celebrity partner, she suggested the cast reduction represents a broader effort by the BBC to move forward from past controversies.
Her partnership with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, 31, proved particularly challenging. The pair were eliminated in the tenth week of competition, finishing in seventh place, and Tsiakkas did not receive a celebrity partner the following season. Borthwick's time on Strictly was marked by multiple controversies, including involvement in a "sex toy" incident with fellow contestant Wynne Evans, allegations of infidelity leading to a breakup with his girlfriend, and accusations of boasting about explicit sexual acts in the Strictly WhatsApp group.
Most damagingly, Borthwick faced a three-month suspension from EastEnders after a video emerged showing him using a derogatory slur against disabled people. The BBC ultimately announced he would not return to the soap.
Reflecting on their partnership, Tsiakkas acknowledged "it wasn't the easiest," noting they received substantial critical feedback and that Borthwick felt significant pressure following his 2023 Christmas special victory.
Moving Forward with Professional Support
According to reports, Tsiakkas has actively sought therapeutic assistance to navigate her emotional response to the dismissal. Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly offered access to a welfare team to discuss her post-show future. The dancer also withdrew from the Strictly Professionals live tour upon learning her contract had been terminated.
When approached by photographers outside Otsi Mabuse's London dance studio last week, Tsiakkas offered a resigned perspective: "It is what it is," while expressing gratitude for public support.
The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding Tsiakkas's departure and the broader cast changes. The situation highlights the significant psychological impact that sudden career transitions can have on entertainment professionals, particularly those operating in high-profile, competitive environments.
