Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Shake-Up as Pros Exit
Strictly Come Dancing is preparing for a significant change ahead of its 2026 season, with reports suggesting that several professional dancers will not return when the BBC show comes back later this year.
The long-running dance competition remains one of the most popular entertainment programs in the UK. Each year, celebrities partner with professional dancers to perform ballroom and Latin routines for judges and viewers.
However, new Strictly Come Dancing news indicates that producers are planning a refresh of the professional lineup before the next series begins.
This article explains what the reported changes mean for Strictly Come Dancing 2026, the dancers involved, and how the show may evolve.
Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Full Details
According to recent reports, at least three professional dancers are expected to leave the show before the 2026 series. The decision appears to be part of a broader effort to update the program and introduce new faces.
Professional Dancers Linked to the Changes
| Professional Dancer | Years on Strictly | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Gorka Márquez | Around 10 years | Reached several finals |
| Luba Mushtuk | Around 8 years | Often appeared in group dances |
| Michelle Tsiakkas | Joined in 2022 | Partnered actor Jamie Borthwick in 2024 |
Reports suggest the BBC wants to create a fresh era for the ballroom competition, bringing new professionals to the lineup.
The show usually announces its professional dancers during the spring before filming begins.
Why the Show Is Changing the Professional Line-Up
The reported changes come after a turbulent period for the program.
In recent years, BBC Strictly Come Dancing faced controversies involving professional dancers and rehearsal conditions. These issues led the broadcaster to introduce new welfare policies during rehearsals.
Key changes introduced included:
- Welfare support for contestants
- Chaperones during training sessions
- Updated rehearsal guidelines
These measures were designed to improve the environment for both celebrities and professional dancers.
Producers are now believed to be continuing that reset with adjustments to the professional cast.
Gorka Márquez and His Strictly Career
One of the most notable names connected with the changes is Gorka Márquez.
The Spanish dancer joined the show in 2016 and quickly became one of its most recognizable professionals.
Gorka Márquez Highlights
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Joined Strictly | 2016 |
| Final appearances | Three times |
| Celebrity partners | Several well-known contestants |
| Personal life | Partner of actress Gemma Atkinson |
During his time on the show, Gorka gained a strong fan following thanks to his choreography and on-screen personality.
Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas
Two other professionals linked to the lineup change are Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba Mushtuk is a Russian-British dancer and choreographer who joined the show several years ago. She became known for her group performances and technical ballroom expertise.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle Tsiakkas is a Cypriot ballroom and Latin dancer who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. She partnered actor Jamie Borthwick during the 2024 series.
Although she was one of the newer professionals, Michelle quickly attracted attention from viewers.
The Legacy of Strictly Come Dancing
Despite the changes, Strictly Come Dancing continues to be one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment shows.
The program first aired in 2004 and has since become a major part of British television culture.
Core Elements of the Show
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Format | Celebrities paired with professional dancers |
| Dance styles | Ballroom and Latin |
| Scoring | Judges’ scores plus public votes |
| Final | Determines the season winner |
Each season typically runs from September to December on BBC One.
The show’s popularity has also inspired international versions such as Dancing with the Stars.
Strictly Come Dancing Presenters and Judges
Another area of change for the show is its presenting lineup.
For many years, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted the program together. Their partnership became a familiar part of the show’s identity.
Meanwhile, the judging panel traditionally includes:
- Shirley Ballas
- Anton Du Beke
- Motsi Mabuse
- Craig Revel Horwood
Although adjustments happen occasionally, the judges and presenters remain central to the show’s success.
Why Professional Dancers Matter to the Show
Professional dancers play a major role in the popularity of Strictly Come Dancing.
They are responsible for:
- Creating choreography each week
- Training celebrity contestants
- Performing in group numbers
- Supporting partners throughout the competition
Because viewers often develop favorites among the dancers, any changes to the lineup usually generate strong reactions from fans.
What Fans Can Expect From Strictly Come Dancing 2026
While the final cast has not yet been confirmed, the upcoming series is expected to introduce new professional dancers alongside returning favorites.
Possible updates could include:
- New dance professionals
- Fresh choreography styles
- A different celebrity lineup
The show typically announces its full lineup several months before the season premiere.
FAQs
What is Strictly Come Dancing?
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC dance competition where celebrities partner with professional dancers to perform ballroom and Latin routines.
Which dancers are leaving Strictly Come Dancing 2026?
Reports suggest that Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas may not return for the next series.
Why are professional dancers leaving the show?
Producers are reportedly refreshing the lineup and introducing new professionals after recent controversies around the show.
When will Strictly Come Dancing 2026 begin?
The show usually returns to BBC One in September each year.
Who hosts Strictly Come Dancing?
The show has traditionally been hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, though presenter lineups can change over time.
Final Thoughts
The reported changes to the Strictly Come Dancing professional lineup suggest the BBC is preparing a refreshed version of the ballroom competition for 2026.
While some familiar dancers may leave the show, these updates are common in long-running entertainment programs that aim to stay relevant.
As Strictly Come Dancing 2026 approaches, fans will be watching closely to see which professionals join the cast and how the new season develops.
