Michelle Tsiakkas ‘wished she had more time’ after Strictly axe

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Michelle Tsiakkas has said she ‘wished she’d had more time’ on the BBC show after becoming the latest professional to be axed.

The dancer is one of five pros that have been dropped from the lineup in what’s been dubbed a ‘bloodbath,’ as BBC bosses plot a drastic revamp of the show to distance it from a string of scandals.

Other favourites Karen Hauer, 43, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35, have also been cut.

After breaking her silence on her axe in an interview over the weekend, Michelle confirmed her departure in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday.

The devastated star said she’d endured an ’emotional time’ after being dropped from the lineup, but said she never assumed her place on the show was ‘guaranteed.’

Strictly bosses also shared a brief statement on Michelle’s departure, praising her for bringing ‘excellent performances’ to the show.

Michelle wrote: ‘Hi everyone, I wanted to share with you. I won’t be returning to Strictly this year.

‘This has been an emotional time for me because Strictly has been a big part of my life, not just for the past four 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 my team for being supporting 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 I have more time. 

‘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 connec with the audience.

‘I’m 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 the 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.

‘I want to wish my Strictly family and everyone involved in t. 2/2 tour all the best. I’m going to miss you all so much. 

‘I’ve been so lucky to work with incredible people – not only my fellow professionals, but everyone behind the scenes who makes the show what it is: production, hair and makeup, band and singers, wardrobe, runners, stage managers and so many more. 

‘After four years, you become like family and build real connections, so not seeing everyone regularly may be the hardest part of saying goodbye. It’s the small, everyday moments that stay with you the most. Life moves on, but the memories and friendships stay with us always.

‘I also want to give a special thank you to you! My kind supporters. Your warmth and belief in me have truly meant the world. 

‘Starting out on such a big show can be scary, but you made me feel so comfortable and welcome. Your thoughtful messages got me through the hardest days, and I will be forever grateful.do

‘Dance is a huge part of who I am, and that will never change. I’m excited for a fresh chapter and a new journey, which I hope you’ll continue with me on.

‘We all go through difficult moments, but it’s how we move through them and the support we have around us that matters most. Thank you for being here with me. I love you all.’

A post on Strictly’s Instagram said: ‘Thank you to Michelle Tsiakkas for everything she has brought to Strictly Come Dancing over the past four series.

‘During her time on the show, Michelle has delivered some excellent performances, whether in the series’ group routines, alongside guest music artists, or with celebrity partners across the main series and the Christmas special whom she has always taught with professionalism, respect and kindness.

‘Her talent, dedication and energy have been much appreciated, and everyone wishes her all the very best for what comes next.’

On Sunday, Michelle spoke about being dropped from Strictly for the first time, hitting out at bosses for axing her over a 30-minute video call.

Speaking in her first interview since her sacking, Michelle recalled the moment she ‘burst into tears’ after hearing the heartbreaking news. 

She said: ‘It felt like my world was falling apart, my dream was shattered. I gave my everything to the show for the four years – it was my whole life.

‘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.’ 

Michelle revealed that she wasn’t given a reason which made it ‘hard to digest,’ that she had been dropped. 

She added to The Sun: ‘I do wonder if they want to change so much because of the scandals in the past. I don’t think I was punished for Jamie’s [Borthwick] wrongdoing because that wouldn’t be right. The pros have no power over the celebs.’

Jamie was axed from EastEnders in September after being suspended for using a disabled slur while on Strictly. 

The actor was filmed using the term ‘m********s’ during his time on the competition, which was then publicly shared. 

Jamie issued an apology at the time, sharing that he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used but now that he is aware, he is ‘deeply embarrassed.’

After learning her contract on Strictly would not be renewed, Michelle quit the professionals live tour.  

She spoke about her axe from the first time as she was filmed leaving a class she’d taught at Oti Mabuse’s dance studio on Monday.

As she was greeted by photographers outside the London venue, one embraced her before saying: ‘Gutted for you, gutted. It’s shocking, heartbreaking.’

Michelle replied: ‘It is what it is,’ before adding: ‘Thanks for the support.’  

It comes after sources claimed that Strictly bosses judge some pros’ following on TikTok when decided which stars would be axed in the show’s mass cull.

Sources said that bosses have chosen to keep pros with a bigger online following in a desperate bid to draw in younger viewers.

Now its been claimed those with bigger online followings have been chosen over dancers who are not so TikTok friendly. 

One example appears to be axed Nadiya who boasts 19,000 followers, while Dianne Buswell, also 36, with 966,000 followers has kept her place in the line-up.

Karen, who was Strictly’s longest-serving female dancer, is a similar story with her 9,000 followers while safe newcomer Alexis Warr, 25, has a whopping 190,000.

Meanwhile Fleur East and Janette Manrara have also reportedly been axed from Strictly Come Dancing’s spin-off It Takes Two. 

Insiders say bosses are plotting a major revamp of the BBC Two weeknight show in the wake of a string of scandals that have rocked the franchise.

Former Strictly pro Janette, 42, took over hosting duties in 2021 after eight years on the main show, while pop star Fleur, 38, joined the line-up in 2023 after reaching the final the year before.

But now both stars are said to be in the firing line as executives push for a bold new direction.

‘Fans will be stunned that this bloodbath is continuing, but bosses are determined to overhaul the show completely,’ an industry source told The Sun.

‘Nobody feels safe right now and there’s a real drive behind the scenes to usher in a fresh era after all the recent drama.

‘But the priority is a clean slate by September and putting distance between the show and the controversies of recent years.’

The source added actions taken by BBC bosses do not mean Janette and Fleur ‘are out of the picture entirely’ and that there could be other roles for them ‘elsewhere’.

Sources suggest bosses are aiming for an entirely fresh start following years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers.

Elsewhere, Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner on the show, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34. It’s believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers.