Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has broken her silence after it emerged she won't be taking part in this year's series.
Ms Tsiakkas, 30, joined the popular BBC show in 2022, but wasn't partnered with a celebrity until last year's series, and has now found out she'll be remaining on the sidelines again.
Fellow pro Nancy Xu, who has starred in the competition since her debut in 2019, has also been snubbed in this year's show, with both set to just take part in the group numbers.
Likewise, Luba Mushtuk and Neil Jones have also been left without partners. Meanwhile, two new dancers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, have been included in the main line-up and will be taking part in the competition.
Michelle Tsiakkas was partnered in last year's BBC Strictly with Jamie Borthwick
| GETTYWhile Ms Xu, 34, was understood to be "incensed" by the snub, she shared a social media clip on Wednesday to admit that while she is disappointed, she's looking forward to featuring in the show and cheering on her co-stars.
Shortly after Ms Xu's clip, Ms Tsiakkas also opted to share a video expressing her disappointment.
"Hi everyone, I hope you're all well. I just wanted to make this post to acknowledge and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the lovely messages I've received since you've all seen I don't have a partner on Strictly this year," she began.
The Cypriot Sri-Lankan professional continued: "To those of you asking how I am, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't gutted, but I think that's a normal feeling to have.
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas were the ninth couple eliminated from BBC Strictly last year
| BBC
"Last year was my first year with a partner and it made me realise just how much I enjoy the process. I think it's the most beautiful and rewarding part of the show.
"And I also feel like last year was the first time you all started to get to know me better as well.
"There's still a whole lot more of me left to discover, so I will do my best this year to post more on here to make up for not seeing me as much on your screens.
"I'll be sharing more about my life, my hobbies, my interests, my experiences, my opinions - just anything that you want to know about me - I want to help you to get to know me better."
She went on to vow: "And you will still be seeing me this year in music acts and group numbers and It Takes Two, so I'm not completely disappearing.
"And lastly, but most importantly, I want to wish the gorgeous cast of this year the best of luck and to enjoy it.
"It's truly such a special experience, an experience that feels like it goes by so quickly when you're in it."
Addressing her co-stars, she advised: "So just have fun, make amazing memories and enjoy every single moment.
Nancy Xu also broke her silence about her BBC Strictly snub
| BBC"It's a great bunch and you're all in for another incredible series this year. So, see you live on BBC One this Saturday night."
Ms Xu shared similar sentiments in her own video, where she reflected: "I am ok, as you all know now, I don't have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
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Michelle Tsiakkas shared a candid message on social media
|"In the very beginning when I just received the messages it did upset me and I do feel disappointed, coming from China and arriving in this country, all I wanted is to achieve my dream and Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills and to show my talents, so of course this year, I feel, left out."
However, the choreographer noted: "But I'm good, because I'm still part of the show and this year you'll probably hear my voice more than ever, because I'll give all my energies to support all my Strictly families."