LONDON, United Kingdom
The BBC is preparing for a major shake-up of its long-running ballroom competition Strictly Come Dancing after reports confirmed that five professional dancers have been removed from the lineup ahead of the show’s 2026 season, marking one of the most significant cast changes in the program’s recent history. According to multiple British media outlets, the broadcaster has decided not to renew the contracts of several well-known professional dancers as part of a wider effort to refresh the series and introduce new talent to the popular entertainment show.
Among those reportedly axed are long-serving professional dancer Karen Hauer, Ukrainian-born dancer Nadiya Bychkova, Spanish performer Gorka Márquez, Russian-born dancer Luba Mushtuk, and Cypriot professional Michelle Tsiakkas. The decision has drawn considerable attention among fans of the show, particularly because several of the dancers have been prominent figures on the series for many years and have built strong followings with viewers.
Karen Hauer, who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, is widely recognized as the longest-serving female professional dancer currently associated with the program. Her departure has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the shake-up, with supporters highlighting her long contribution to the show. Nadiya Bychkova, who first appeared on the BBC series in 2017, has also been a regular presence in recent seasons, while Gorka Márquez, another popular professional dancer, joined the show in 2016 and has partnered with several celebrity contestants over the years. Luba Mushtuk became part of the professional lineup in 2018, while Michelle Tsiakkas is among the newer dancers, having joined the program in 2022.
Reports suggest the changes are part of a broader restructuring within the program as producers look to evolve the show ahead of future seasons. Insiders cited by British media said the move aims to bring in new professional dancers and maintain audience interest after more than two decades on air. However, the BBC has not yet released the full professional dancer lineup for the 2026 season, meaning further announcements could follow as preparations for the new series continue.
The decision has sparked debate among fans and commentators online, with some questioning whether the removal of long-serving dancers reflects a shift in the show’s direction. Critics have also raised concerns about potential age-related factors in the casting changes, particularly in the case of Hauer, although the BBC has not publicly commented on those claims.
Strictly Come Dancing, which first premiered on BBC One in 2004, remains one of the broadcaster’s most successful entertainment programs. The format pairs celebrities with professional dancers who compete in weekly ballroom and Latin dance routines judged by a panel and voted on by the public. Over the years, the show has become a cornerstone of British television and inspired the internationally successful Dancing with the Stars franchise.
With the next season expected to return later in 2026, the upcoming cast announcements will be closely watched by fans eager to see how the iconic dance competition evolves following the latest round of changes.
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