BBC Reportedly Axes Several Professional Dancers From Strictly

March 9, 2026 Diplomats World

The popular British television show Strictly Come Dancing appears to be undergoing significant changes ahead of its 2026 season, with reports suggesting that several professional dancers have been removed from the lineup by BBC producers.

Strictly Come Dancing Faces Major Shake-Up Ahead Of 2026

The developments follow a series of major shifts associated with the program. During the most recent series, long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from their hosting roles after many years on the show.

While speculation continues over who might replace the presenting duo, reports over the weekend indicated that multiple professional dancers have also been dropped ahead of the upcoming 2026 season.

Initial reports suggested that professional dancers Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas would no longer appear in the next series of the show.

Nadiya Bychkova Among Pros Reportedly Dropped From Show

A separate report published by The Sun later claimed that Nadiya Bychkova was also informed that she would not return as a full-time professional dancer for the upcoming season.

According to the report, Bychkova, 36, received the news during a meeting with BBC executives on March 6. Sources cited by the publication said the development came as a surprise and left the dancer deeply upset.

An unnamed insider told the newspaper that the decision was unexpected because of Bychkova’s long-standing commitment to the show.

“The news came as such a huge shock as Nadiya’s life was Strictly, and to find out she’s not been invited back as a full-time professional has really broken her heart,” the source was quoted as saying.

The insider added that the number of professional dancers reportedly being removed from the lineup had created uncertainty among other members of the show’s cast.

BBC Planning Changes For Strictly Come Dancing 2026

“No one was expecting producers to remove so many professionals, especially someone like Nadiya who has shown so much dedication to the show over the years,” the source said.

According to the report, the situation has also caused unease among other professional dancers, with some reportedly questioning whether their positions on the program remain secure.

Despite the reports, official confirmation regarding the full lineup for the 2026 series has not yet been announced.

BBC representatives have indicated that details about plans for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing will be confirmed in due course.

Bychkova joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017

Bychkova joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and has competed alongside several celebrity contestants during her time on the program.

Among those she partnered with during the show were Davood Ghadami and Dan Walker.

Standing at approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, Bychkova has often been paired with taller male contestants during the competition.

Throughout her time on the show, she has not reached the final stage of the competition.

The reported changes come at a time when the long-running dance competition appears to be entering a period of transition, with potential adjustments to both its presenting team and professional lineup ahead of the 2026 season.