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It's fair to say Strictly Come Dancing is in a state of flux at the moment. While it remains hugely popular with audiences, it is faced with the dilemma of replacing beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after their departure at the end of the most recent season. While any name I have heard linked to the job is competent and professional, the reality is it will take a little time for viewers to get used to the changes and for the new duo to bed in.

Which begs the question, why mess with the pro line-up? At a time of huge change fans want to maintian some familiarity. However, it appears the next season of the show will ask people to not only embrace new presenters but also several new dancers. As much as the BBC may hate to admit, the pros are as much stars of the show as anyone else on screen, and people have their favourites.

Despite this, four of the stars are reportedly being given their marching orders. Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas have all allegedly been given the chop.

They will undoubtedly be replaced by new dancers who are currently unknown to audiences. So the powers that be expect viewers to acclimate to new presenters and pros.

This feels like a very risky move. It would be one thing to do a complete shake-up and reboot the show from top to bottom. In that case, there would be excitement, and it would feel like a breath of fresh air.

But this latest move is akin to when dramas replace actors in key roles and expect viewers to suspend disbelief.

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Viewers have been very tolerant of Strictly over the years. They have kept watching through judging switcheroos, scandals and the departure of many beloved dancers.

But with so much current upheaval, this could simply be asking too much. Nadiya and Gorka, in particular, are beloved, and while none of the axed dancers will be short of work, this feels like a short-term clean sweep with long-term repercussions.

Of course, things change at breakneck speed in the world of Strictly, and BBC spokesperson simply told Express.co.uk: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."

The bosses may yet rethink this reshuffle and give the new presenters time to find their feet before taking any drastic action. Hopefully, they do, as the entire brand is tenuously hanging in there at the moment.