Strictly Come Dancing stars Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu sidestepped questions regarding the widely reported shake-up of the show's dancers.
The pair, aged 35 and 33 respectively, appeared in a television interview on Friday to promote their upcoming live tour, Amy and Carlos: Reborn.
However, the conversation on BBC Breakfast swiftly shifted to the reported behind-the-scenes upheaval at the BBC's flagship Saturday night programme.
When host Charlie Stayt pressed them on the speculation surrounding which dancers would feature in the upcoming series, both performers declined to confirm their positions.
Carlos Gu and Amy Dowden were asked about the reported Strictly 'axes'
|GETTY
The presenter acknowledged that the constant public discussion about their employment must prove challenging, given that the show represents their livelihood.
Recent days have brought reports suggesting that multiple established professionals will not be returning for the 2026 series, which typically airs from September through December.
Among those reportedly facing the axe are Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nadiya Bychkova.
The reported departures have been described as a "bloodbath" within the programme's professional ranks.
Carlos Gu and Amy Dowden talked about their future on Strictly
|BBC
Karen Hauer's reported exit is particularly significant, as she has been part of the show since 2012, making her the longest-serving professional dancer in Strictly's history.
Both Ms Dowden and Mr Gu are established members of the professional lineup, with Mr Gu having recently claimed victory in the most recent series alongside England footballer Karen Carney.
Ms Dowden told the programme that no official communication had been received from the BBC regarding the dancers' futures.
"We're really hoping to be back dancing with our gorgeous Strictly family later this year, but wait until any official announcements are made. There is so much speculation, but nothing has come from the BBC," she said.
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When Mr Stayt noted the difficulty of having one's job publicly debated, Ms Dowden responded: "It is, but we put our heart and soul into it, we love it!"
Mr Gu was equally passionate about the programme's significance to him personally. "It's our life! It's not only work," he explained.
"For us, as a dancer, I think it's the best platform you can ever be on and to give you an opportunity to really shine through your talent."
The dancer continued: "As a dancer and as an artist, both we are, we live our life and give everything that we have. We put our heart and soul into it, so, beyond that, actually, it's more than just a job, just work, it's our life."
Amy Dowden has starred on BBC Strictly since 2017
| CHANNEL 4Insiders suggest further changes may be announced before the 2026 series begins, with all current dancers understood to be set to meet with producers in the coming weeks to discuss their futures.
Sources have indicated that programme bosses are seeking to refresh the show following recent controversies.
"Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era," one insider told The Sun.
Regarding Ms Hauer's departure, a source told the Daily Mail it was "very much a case of out with the old and in with the new."