Michelle Tsiakkas has pulled out of the Strictly Professionals 2026 Tour amid speculation that she has been dropped from the BBC programme.
Tour organisers announced her departure on their official Instagram account, stating they were "naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future."
The withdrawal comes as reports suggest the professional dancer is among several performers facing the axe from the television series.
Ms Tsiakkas is reportedly set to lose her place alongside fellow professionals Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Márquez and Karen Hauer, who has allegedly already been informed her contract will not be renewed.
The BBC show has undergone significant upheaval following the exit of presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The BBC has yet to confirm whether or not the dancers are facing the axe, with a spokesperson having told GB News that updates about the show will be confirmed in due course.
The tour confirmed that rehearsals will commence early next month with the remaining professional dancers ahead of the April launch.
Those continuing with the production include Julian Caillon, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystał, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Luba and Gorka
Michelle Tsiakkas performed during the most recent Christmas special | BBCThe latter two are notably among those reportedly being dropped from the main television series.
Neil, who has seldom been paired with a celebrity partner on the programme, will reportedly go without one again this year.
Nancy is also expected to be without a celebrity dance partner for the upcoming series.
Both dancers may still feature in the large group performance numbers, according to reports.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Michelle Tsiakkas has quit the Strictly tour
| INSTAGRAMKaren, who joined the show in 2012 and remains the longest-serving female professional, was reportedly told last week that her time on Strictly has ended.
An insider told the Daily Mail: "It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new."
The source added that Karen "was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future."
Meanwhile, Katya Jones has reportedly secured a new contract and will remain part of the lineup.
Nadiya Bychkova is among the Strictly stars set to leave | PASources suggest all professional dancers have already been informed of their fate as bosses pursue a complete refresh of the programme.
The sweeping changes follow years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers on the long-running series.
Karen has indicated she will concentrate on her choreography career and her work within the fitness industry moving forward.
Programme bosses are understood to be seeking an entirely fresh start for Strictly following the sustained period of criticism that has engulfed the series.
The reported decision to overhaul the professional lineup represents one of the most significant changes in the show's history.