BBC Strictly bosses 'meet with US dancers' for show revamp following string of sackings

Lydia Davies
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:11:20 +0000

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have allegedly met with an American dancer as part of a major revamp following a string of high-profile exits from the show.

Executives are said to have held discussions with US performer D’Angelo Castro after a chance encounter during his recent visit to the UK

The 25-year-old, who has previously appeared on the US version of Dancing With The Stars, is understood to have impressed producers keen to refresh the professional lineup.

According to The Sun on Sunday, an insider said: “Strictly bosses are on the lookout for fresh faces and love the look of D’Angelo; he ticks all the boxes.

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"They hope he could be the new Giovanni Pernice.”

The move comes as the BBC flagship programme undergoes one of its biggest shake-ups in years, with several established professionals axed ahead of the next series.

Among those departing is Karen Hauer, one of the show’s longest-serving dancers, who confirmed she would be “closing this chapter” to pursue new opportunities.

Ukrainian star Nadiya Bychkova has also exited, alongside Luba Mushtuk, who thanked the show for her decade-long run while revealing plans to “follow her dreams beyond the show".

Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined in 2022, said she learned of her departure during a video call, describing the moment as devastating.

She said: “It felt like my world was falling apart, my dream was shattered. I gave my everything to the show for the four years — it was my whole life."

Sources say Spanish professional Gorka Marquez, a fixture for a decade, has also been let go, though he has not publicly addressed the reports.

Mr Castro has built a strong following online, describing himself as a “dancer, performer, and teacher”, splitting his time between Miami and New York.

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His social media content frequently showcases his performances, drawing praise from fans, with some already backing him as a potential Strictly star.

The dancer also appears to have existing links to the show, with former pro Nadiya Bychkova among those following him online, alongside current names including Alexis Warr and It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara.

His previous screen credits include World of Dance and Cody Fry: Waltz for Sweatpants.

Fans have reacted enthusiastically to reports of his potential signing, with viewers on Reddit describing his Latin routines as “insane” and calling him a “great” addition.

The overhaul extends beyond the dancefloor, with long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also stepping down following the 2025 Christmas special.

The pair, who became primetime television’s first all-female presenting duo in 2014, said they were “always going to leave together” and felt the timing was right.

They said: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream."

Sources insist there will be auditions to replace the pair after being delayed earlier this year.

Names in the frame include Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Angela Scanlon, Emma Willis and Fleur East, with Bradley Walsh and Alex Jones also linked to the role.

A Strictly spokesperson told GB News: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."