“I HOPED FOR MORE TIME!”: Strictly Come Dancing star’s emotional cry after brutal axe leaves fans stunned
Another Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer has announced they won’t be returning.
Speculation is rife about which professional dancers will be returning to the Strictly ballroom later this year (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has shared a social media statement, confirming she has been axed from the BBC professional dancer line-up.
The dancer is one of many pros who will not be returning to the competition later this year, alongside Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer and Nadiya Bychkova.
It has also been reported that Neil Jones and Gorka Marquez will be leaving Strictly, though the BBC has yet to confirm the professional line-up for the upcoming series, which will also see new hosts take over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Michelle, who has only had one celebrity partner on the main show after joining Strictly in 2022, Jamie Borthwick, and danced with Brian McFadden during the Christmas special last year, previously told The Sun that she’d been axed from the line-up.
Michelle shared a statement on social media (Image: PA)
“This has been an emotional time for me because Strictly has been a big part of my life, not just over the past 4 years but for as long as I can remember.
“It’s a show that I’ll always hold close to my heart. I want to thank the team for being supportive during this period, offering help and giving me the time and space to talk things through and process the news.
“Of course, as professionals on the show, we can never assume our places are guaranteed, but I hoped to have more time.
Michelle was partnered with Jamie Borthwick on Strictly in 2024 (Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
“I wish I could have shown you more of what I can do, but I’m grateful for every experience and every chance I had to share my passion and connect with my audience.
“I’ve also had to make the very hard decision to pull out from the Pro Tour in May.
“I was really looking forward to performing for you all and sharing the stage with my friends, but I know that right now I wouldn’t have been able to give you my very best, and you deserve the best.
“After reflection, I believe this was the best decision for me, and your understanding and support have meant a lot.”
Michelle captioned the post: “A chapter ends, but a new one begins. Forever grateful for your love and support…”
The star was showered in support from fans and friends alike, with former Strictly star Balvinder Sopal writing: “You are such a beautiful dancer and human, Michelle. Doors will open, new opportunities will come. And, I for one will be following and supporting your journey. Sending you love, always.”
Nancy Xu said: “My superstar Snow!!!! We are here for you! Always! I know the girl who I spend all the time with! have something inside her, that this world needed to see! AND I WILL BE HERE WITH HER! WE LOVE YOU, MY BEAUTIFUL SNOWWWW! I KNOW I WILL MISS DANCR WITH YOU ON MY DANCE FLOOR.” (sic)
Amy Dowden added: “Sending you all the love, darling,” while Vito Coppola wrote: “We love you, Mish. You are an amazing person, so talented and a beautiful soul. Proud to be your friend. Cannot wait to see you keep shining. You can always count on me, as real friendship never dies.”
Michelle also confirmed she had pulled out of the upcoming professional dancer’s tour (Image: Michelle Tsiakkas Instagram)
Michelle previously told The Sun that she was shocked to hear the news she wouldn’t be returning to the show, saying: “I didn’t see it coming. I thought I had more time. When she told me I wasn’t coming back, there was a moment of shock. I felt my story was unfinished.
“It felt out of the blue. It was very tough. I was heartbroken. I went through so many emotions. I gave my life to Strictly.
“It’s like grief. There are many stages to it, many emotions — sadness, confusion and frustration.
“Everything I have known for the past four years has gone. Your brain goes through change and panic. It was so sudden, I had a feeling of hopelessness.”
Sharing plans for the future, she added: “I am realising there is a whole world outside of Strictly and I am trying to get excited about new opportunities. I am not giving up, only just getting started.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
