BBC bosses have reportedly dropped three professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing as part of sweeping changes ahead of the 2026 series.
Fresh off the back of long-serving hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's departure, the dance competition is said to have cut ties with at least a trio of the pros.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exits are reportedly the first of many for the upcoming series
| BBCLong-serving performers Gorka Márquez, 35, and Luba Mushtuk, 36, along with newer cast member Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, will not be returning to the ballroom when the programme airs later this year, it is believed.
According to The Sun, producers are seeking to overhaul the show following a turbulent period marked by various controversies.
Lube Mushtuk performing during the 2025 series
|BBC
A source told the publication: "There are major changes taking place with dancers having meetings about their contracts over the next few weeks."
The insider added: "Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era."
Spanish dancer Mr Márquez has been a fixture on the programme for a decade, reaching the final on three separate occasions during his tenure.
He also found love on the show, meeting his now-wife Gemma Atkinson when she competed in 2017.
Michelle Tsiakkas performed during the most recent Christmas special
|BBC
Ms Mushtuk, who hails from Russia, joined the professional lineup eight years ago but has struggled to secure regular celebrity partnerships in recent series.
Cypriot dancer Ms Tsiakkas arrived in 2022 alongside fellow newcomers Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley.
She was finally given her first celebrity partner in 2024, being paired with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, though the couple were eliminated during week 10 of the competition.
Ms Tsiakkas also partnered with Brian McFadden for last year's Christmas special.
Gorka Marquez is one of three dancers said to be leaving
|PA
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The decision hasn't exactly been one met with the warmest of receptions from the Strictly fandom.
Reacting to the news after it was shared by popular pop culture X page Super TV 247, several Strictly fans made their feelings known about the decision.
One fan suggested it should've been other dancers who were let go: "I think Gorka was probably going to go soon anyway, but I do think they should have let Karen, Neil, Dianne, Aljaz and Nadiya go. Gutted for Michelle - she had so much potential!"
"Axing Gorka and Michelle over NEIL! Truly abysmal decision," a second echoed, while a third expressed their shock: "WHAT. NO. NOT GORKA, LUBA AND MICHELLE. This is honestly absolutely shocking. Who else?" (sic)
Luba Mushtuk won't return to Strictly, according to reports
|PA
A fourth felt it spelt the end for the show: "In my opinion, the show is coming to an end anyway. I think they will see how it does with the new hosts and if the ratings don’t improve, then I think it will be rested for about 5 years."
Meanwhile, a fifth slammed the reports: "If this is true, and Michelle goes, then my favourite show will not be going on my TV. Michelle is the nicest person I have ever met. Met her twice in Birmingham. She hasn’t been given a chance and she is my fave. Gorka meh, but poor Luba too."
And a sixth also put dancer Neil Jones in the firing line: "Neil definitely should be the one to leave. He gives nothing to the programme, they just give him daft things to do occasionally."
The shake-up extends beyond the dance floor, with new presenters still to be confirmed following Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman's departure last October after 14 years at the helm.
Michelle Tsiakkas with Jamie Borthwick
| BBCThe pair had co-hosted since 2014, becoming the first all-female duo to front a primetime entertainment programme on British television. Both received MBEs for services to broadcasting in June 2025.
Finding replacements has reportedly proved challenging, with several high-profile names linked to the £400,000 roles.
Sara Cox is the latest presenter to be mentioned as a potential candidate, while Emma Willis and Zoe Ball have also been connected to the position.
Sources suggest BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips is particularly keen on The One Show's Alex Jones, though she has apparently not embraced the opportunity enthusiastically.
Gorka Marquez met his partner Gemma Atkinson on the show
|PA
The broadcaster is understood to want the new hosts to have some existing connection to Strictly, though this may not prove feasible.
The BBC has declined to confirm the reported departures, with a spokesperson stating: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."
GB News has also contacted representatives for the three dancers named.