Strictly Come Dancing Stunner: Major Shake-Up Sees Beloved Pros Axed
The glitz and glamour of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by a significant shake-up, with several professional dancers reportedly shown the door. In what’s being described as a “brutal reality of TV,” Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez are among those said to have been cut from the upcoming lineup. This drastic move follows speculation about changes to the show’s presenting team, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also reportedly departing.
Luba Mushtuk, who joined the professional dancer ranks in 2018, is reportedly “absolutely devastated” by the sudden news. Sources close to the dancer suggest she believed she had more time on the show and was blindsided by the decision.
“Luba is absolutely devastated,” an insider told the Express. “Strictly has been her life for years and she genuinely believed she would be back. She’s basically in hiding right now. She’s not answering calls, not replying to messages – she just wants to process it privately.”
The source further elaborated on the nature of the cuts, stating, “This wasn’t about wrongdoing or performance. It’s a brutal reality of TV – producers refresh the cast and sometimes people who’ve done nothing wrong get cut. She thought she had more time. There was no long goodbye, no gradual transition just a phone call telling her she wouldn’t be needed.”
The Daily Mail has reportedly reached out to Luba’s representatives for comment on the situation.
The news comes just days after reports exclusively revealed that Karen Hauer, one of the show’s longest-serving professionals since 2012, was also informed that her contract would not be renewed. While some familiar faces are departing, it has also been confirmed that Katya Jones has secured a new contract and will remain part of the Strictly family.
The dancers reportedly axed from the series include Karen, 43, Nadiya, 36, Michelle, 30, Luba, and Gorka, 35. Insiders suggest that all professional dancers were made aware of their fate ahead of the public announcements.
“Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year,” one source revealed to the Daily Mail. “It’s very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.”
Another source highlighted the emotional toll these decisions take: “It’s an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show. Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future. She works as a choreographer and knows she can focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry.”
Further speculation suggests that Aljaž Škorjanec may also not be returning to the ballroom, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have reportedly been given the go-ahead to continue.
Karen Hauer’s Strictly journey has been marked by memorable partnerships. Her most recent celebrity partner was Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. The year prior, she danced with former footballer Paul Merson, and in 2023, she partnered with comedian Eddie Kadi. She also showcased her choreographic talents by performing with comedian Jayde Adams in 2022, following in the footsteps of Katya Jones, who made history as the first female Strictly pro to participate in a same-sex pairing.
Throughout her tenure, Karen has also shared the dance floor with other notable personalities, including reality TV star Mark Wright from TOWIE, one of the earliest reality stars to grace the show. Despite her extensive commitment and impressive performances, Karen has never lifted the coveted glitterball trophy. However, she came close, reaching the final with Mark Wright in 2014 and Jamie Laing in 2020.
Karen was previously married to fellow Strictly professional Kevin Clifton. Their marriage lasted three years, but they continued to work together on the show following their split. Karen’s spokesperson has also reportedly been contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.
Sources indicate that the show’s bosses are aiming for a complete refresh, potentially in response to years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancer lineup.
In other developments, Neil Jones, 43, who has had limited opportunities to dance with a celebrity partner, will reportedly also be without one this year. Nancy Xu, 34, is in a similar situation. While they may not be paired with celebrities, it is believed they could still feature in the show’s ensemble group dance routines. The future of the professional dancer roster remains a hot topic as the show gears up for its next season.
