The BBC has reportedly removed five professional dancers from the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up, according to reports by The Sun.
It was initially reported that Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, had all been dropped, but now another star has also reportedly been removed from the line-up, that being the longest-serving professional on the show, Karen Hauer, 43.
HELLO! reached out to the BBC for comment, to which it issued the following statement: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."
While the show is entering a new era following the sad departure of its long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, it's unclear just how much change is in store for the new season.
The professionals who have reportedly faced elimination from the show's line-up have enjoyed varied success during their time on the programme.
Who are the Strictly pros reportedly not returning?
Hailing from Ukraine, Nadiya joined the series in 2017 and partnered with celebrities such as Davood Ghadami, Dan Walker, Matt Goss and, most recently, Chris Robshaw, with whom she came in 13th place.
© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray BurmistonMeanwhile, Spanish dancer Gorka joined the show in 2016, performing alongside stars such as Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith and Helen Skelton. He reached the final with all three – in 2017, 2020 and 2022 respectively. The dancer was notably absent for part of the 2025 series due to his judging role on the Spanish version of the show, Bailando Con Las Estrellas.
© Ray Burmiston, BBCLuba joined the show in 2016, initially working as an assistant choreographer before becoming a professional dancer in 2018. Her partners have included Jason Bell, Adam Thomas and Nick Knowles. While she did not have a partner during the 2025 series, Luba still appeared in the group dances.
© Ray Burmiston, BBCCypriot dancer Michelle joined the show in 2022 alongside Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley, and was paired with Jamie Borthwick in the 2024 series. However, she did not receive a partner in the latest season.
© Ray BurmistonKaren has had an incredible 14 partners over the years, but she has only reached the final on two occasions, firstly with The Only Way Is Essex personality Mark Wright and secondly with Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing. The dancer, who is currently Strictly's longest-serving professional has also danced with Nicky Byrne, Dave Myers, Jeremy Vine, Will Young, Simon Rimmer, Charles Venn, Chris Ramsey, Greg Wise, Jayde Adams, Eddie Kadi and Paul Merson. She most recently danced with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray BurmistonWhat have the dancers said?
While none of the professionals have commented directly on the reports, some took to social media on Sunday to mark International Women's Day.
Sharing a video of herself in a monochrome bikini, Nadiya was seen dancing beside an idyllic pool. She captioned the post: "Celebrating women today and every day. The strength, the joy, the resilience and the beautiful way we lift each other up. And sometimes… a little dance along the way. Happy International Women's Day."
Meanwhile, Gorka took to Instagram Stories to mark the occasion. "So today is International Women's Day. So what is the best way to celebrate all the women in the house today!" he said before panning the camera to three women, who waved at the camera.
Michelle, meanwhile, reshared multiple posts from fans celebrating International Women's Day, as well as clips of herself and dancer Simone Arena performing at a set of Jive masterclasses at Donaheys in Windsor.
