Michelle Tsiakkas is believed to have quit the Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour due to feeling let down by unfulfilled commitments.
The dancer's withdrawal comes alongside reports that she has been dropped from the main BBC programme along with a handful of other dancers.
On Thursday, it was announced the dancer had pulled out of the tour, with a statement from tour bosses reading they were "naturally disappointed."
A friend of Ms Tsiakkas has now stated: "Michelle feels like she's got a lot to process at the moment. She's made a lot of personal sacrifices for the show and was in it for the long term."
Michelle Tsiakkas has quit the Strictly tour | INSTAGRAM Speaking to The Sun, the source continued: "I think she feels like she was promised one thing but has been given something totally different."
The tour had been scheduled to launch in April before Ms Tsiakkas made her decision to step away from the production.
The tour's official Instagram page carried a statement confirming the news, reading: "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."
Michelle Tsiakkas performed during the most recent Christmas special | BBCOrganisers confirmed that rehearsals would proceed as planned early next month with the remaining cast members.
The dancers set to take part include Julian, Vito, Neil, Gorka, Lauren, Jowita, Luba, Alexis, Kai and Nancy.
GB News has approached both the BBC for comment on the situation.
Ms Tsiakkas's departure marks another significant change for the touring production, which typically features professional dancers from the television series performing choreographed routines for audiences across the country.
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Ms Tsiakkas is one of five professional dancers who are reportedly not returning to the main Strictly Come Dancing series, with Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Márquez also having their contracts terminated, according to reports.
Ms Hauer, who first joined the programme in 2012, is thought to have been informed of the decision last week, making her the longest-serving female dancer to be let go.
An insider told the Daily Mail: "It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over."
Sources indicate that programme bosses are seeking a complete refresh following years of criticism and controversy involving professional dancers.
Michelle Tsiakkas is believed to be among those to have been removed from BBC Strictly
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Katya Jones, however, is understood to have secured a new contract and will remain part of the lineup.
A second source described the circumstances as particularly harsh for those who had committed their professional lives to the programme.
"It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show," the insider said.
Regarding Ms Hauer specifically, the source noted: "Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future.
"She works as a choreographer and knows she can focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry."
The sweeping changes to the professional roster follow the departure of presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from the BBC show.