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Another Strictly Come Dancing star has confirmed their departure from the BBC dance competition. Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, confirmed reports she has been dropped from the programme, following the rumoured exits of several other professionals. In a video posted by TheLaughingDonkeys on TikTok, the dancer appeared downcast as she embraced a photographer, who admitted he was "gutted" for her.

The person recording described news of her departure as "shocking" and "heartbreaking", leading the disheartened star to respond: "It is what it is." The man behind the camera announced his plans to boycott the show now that Michelle is no longer in it. Captured on camera alongside her boyfriend and choreographer Simone Arena, Michelle laughed as they questioned whether he would consider joining the show. As one of the men remarked "he wouldn't dare", both Michelle and her partner agreed.

Michelle joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 alongside Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley. She went without a partner for her first two years, and again in 2025 after competing with former soap star Jamie Borthwick, 31, in 2024.

She had been anticipated to participate in the Strictly: The Professionals shows as well, but has chosen to step down following the announcement of her removal from the main show.

The official Instagram account for the tour announced: "Michelle Tsiakkas has decided not to take part in Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour.

"We are naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future. We look forward to starting the tour rehearsals early next month with Julian, Vito, Neil, Gorka, Lauren, Jowita, Luba, Alexis, Kai and Nancy."

She is not the only dancer to be dropped ahead of the upcoming series, with a host of other professionals also set to depart the show.

Those rumoured to be getting the axe include Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova. It comes after Karen Hauer confirmed she would be leaving Strictly after 14 years.

The 43-year-old said she felt that now is the "right time" to close this chapter in her life, adding that she wants to take on other projects she is passionate about.

She credited Strictly for changing her life in so many ways, before thanking fans for their endless support.