Michelle Tsiakkas has withdrawn from the upcoming Strictly Professionals live tour just a few weeks before its commencement, citing alleged unfulfilled promises by BBC executives. The 30-year-old professional dancer was slated to join her colleagues from Strictly Come Dancing on the tour, set to begin at the end of April, amid speculations of her being removed from the main show.
Recent reports have also indicated that several other professionals, including veteran dancer Gorka Marquez, and fellow performers Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Nadiya Bychkova, are expected to depart from the show. The official Instagram account for the tour confirmed Michelle’s decision not to participate in the Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour, expressing disappointment while extending best wishes for her future endeavors.
A close associate of Michelle revealed that her decision to leave was influenced by the need to process various matters. The insider shared with The Sun, “Michelle is currently dealing with a lot of personal issues.” Allegations suggest that she perceived discrepancies between the assurances given to her and the actual circumstances she encountered. The Mirror has attempted to reach out to Michelle’s representatives, while the BBC has chosen not to provide any comments.
Michelle has been a prominent figure on Strictly since 2022, garnering a substantial fan following. Speculations surrounding her departure coincide with a series of controversies within the competition and the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Marking International Women’s Day, Michelle posted an empowering message alongside a photo of herself, reflecting on her life experiences and resilience. The post received significant praise from her followers, including fellow Strictly stars such as Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, and Vito Coppola.
While the post attracted admiration, some users questioned the validity of rumors regarding Michelle’s exit from Strictly. Additionally, reports from The Sun suggest that significant changes may be on the horizon for the show, with producers aiming to usher in a fresh era following recent challenges and scandals.
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