Michelle Tsiakkas has seemingly confirmed her departure from Strictly Come Dancing following the BBC show's dramatic cast overhaul.
The professional dancer, who has been part of the programme since 2022, addressed speculation about her exit in footage captured outside Oti Mabuse's dance studio in London.
When a photographer embraced her and described the news as "shocking" and "heartbreaking," the visibly deflated 30-year-old offered a resigned response.
"It is what it is," Ms Tsiakkas replied in a brief statement which appeared to confirm the reports, before expressing gratitude for the support she had received.
Michelle Tsiakkas is believed to be among those to have been removed from BBC Strictly | GETTYThe Cypriot dancer's confirmation comes amid what has been described as a "bloodbath" of professional departures from the long-running BBC dance competition, with multiple fan favourites learning their contracts would not be renewed.
The footage, shared by TheLaughingDonkeys on TikTok, also captured Ms Tsiakkas alongside her boyfriend Simone Arena, an Italian choreographer who has worked on Dancing with the Stars productions in Italy, Ireland and Belgium.
When asked whether Mr Arena might ever appear on Strictly himself, the couple burst into laughter before giving a definitive answer.
Ms Tsiakkas jokingly suggested her partner was now "banned" from the programme following her departure.
Michelle Tsiakkas appeared to confirm the news
|TIKTOK - @thelaughingdonkeysuk
As one of the photographers remarked "he wouldn't dare," both Ms Tsiakkas and Mr Arena nodded in agreement.
Mr Arena, who was filmed loading luggage into a car, has extensive experience within the global franchise that includes Strictly, having choreographed for multiple international versions of the dance competition format.
As reports swirled that her contract would not be renewed, Ms Tsiakkas also opted to step away from the Strictly: The Professionals 2026 tour.
The official tour Instagram account announced her withdrawal, stating they were "naturally disappointed" but respected her decision and wished her well for the future.
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Jamie Borthwick was partnered in the 2024 series of BBC Strictly with Michelle Tsiakkas
| GETTYThe remaining lineup for the tour, which begins on April 29 and concludes at Blackpool Opera House on May 30, includes Julian Caillon, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Gorka Márquez, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystał, Luba Mushtuk, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington and Nancy Xu.
A friend of the dancer told The Sun that Ms Tsiakkas needed time to process recent events.
"She's made a lot of personal sacrifices for the show and was in it for the long term," the source explained.
"I think she feels like she was promised one thing but has been given something totally different."
Michelle Tsiakkas performed during the most recent Christmas special | BBCMs Tsiakkas' speculated departure forms part of a sweeping overhaul that is understood to have seen several professional dancers removed from the programme ahead of the next series.
Among those reportedly given the boot are Ms Hauer, the show's longest-serving female dancer with 14 years on the programme, along with Ms Bychkova, Mr Marquez and Ms Mushtuk.
Ms Haur has since spoken publicly about her exit, describing it as "a terribly stressful and emotional time."
Sources have suggested that social media following played a role in determining which dancers kept their places, with bosses reportedly keen to attract younger viewers through TikTok presence.
Mr Jones and Ms Xu are also understood to be going without celebrity partners this year, though they may still feature in group performances.
The BBC is expected to announce official plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 in due course.