Michelle Tsiakkas has spoken out about her 'axe' from Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer, who had been part of the BBC show since 2022, described the moment she was given the news as utterly crushing.
"It felt like my world was falling apart, my dream was shattered," she told The Sun in her first interview since leaving the programme. "I gave my everything to the show for the four years – it was my whole life."
The 30-year-old said the decision came without warning, leaving her reeling.
Michelle Tsiakkas is believed to be among those to have been removed from BBC Strictly | GETTY"I didn't see it coming. I thought I had more time. I felt my story was unfinished," she explained, adding that she "burst into tears" upon hearing the news.
Ms Tsiakkas revealed that the lack of explanation made processing her dismissal particularly difficult.
"I wasn't given a reason as to why I was being dropped, which made it harder to digest," she said. "I was just told they were going in a different direction and wanted new faces to freshen it up."
The dancer, who noted she was the second youngest female performer in the cast, said the absence of clarity left her struggling to understand the decision.
Michelle Tsiakkas performed during the most recent Christmas special | BBCShe has questioned whether the programme's recent controversies played a role in the sweeping changes to the professional lineup.
"I do wonder if they want to change so much because of the scandals in the past," Ms Tsiakkas said.
"Nothing was clear, so it made it harder for me. I had no idea they wanted to make these changes."
Ms Tsiakkas addressed the controversy surrounding her 2024 celebrity partner Jamie Borthwick, who was dismissed from EastEnders in September after being suspended for using a disability slur during his time on Strictly.
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Michelle Tsiakkas opened up about her 'axe' from the show
| BBC"I don't think I was punished for Jamie's wrongdoing because that wouldn't be right," she stated. "The pros have no power over the celebs."
The emotional toll of her departure has been significant, with Ms Tsiakkas revealing she has turned to professional support to cope.
"I am a strong person mentally, but this situation really affected me," she explained. "I thought I could deal with my emotions myself, but mental health is a huge thing."
She described the experience as akin to grief, with "many stages to it, many emotions – sadness, confusion and frustration".
Michelle Tsiakkas said her 'dream is shattered'
|GETTY
Ms Tsiakkas is among several established professionals who are understood to have been cut from the programme, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez.
Ms Hauer, who was the show's longest-serving female dancer, described her own exit as "terribly stressful and emotional".
Following her dismissal, Ms Tsiakkas withdrew from the upcoming Strictly professionals tour, with organisers stating they were "naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future."
Her final appearance on the programme was during the 2025 Christmas special, where she partnered with Brian McFadden.
The BBC has been contacted for a comment on the reports but has previously told GB News that "plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."