All posts tagged: dancers

Strictly Come Dancing: All the dancers leaving the show so far

Strictly Come Dancing: All the dancers leaving the show so far

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter When Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced that they were leaving Strictly Come Dancing, fans were prepared for the show to undergo a bit of a shake-up. What they couldn’t have predicted was that along with the hosts, a number of the show’s longest standing professional dancers beloved by fans would also be saying goodbye to the show. Earlier this month, it was reported that five of the show’s pros – including the longest serving female dancer – would not be returning. Strictly is saying goodbye to a number of fan-favourite dancers (BBC/Guy Levy) Four of the dancers, all of them female, have since confirmed their exits. Another, Spanish pro Gorka Márquez has also reportedly been given the axe, although he is yet to comment on this. Here are all the dancers saying goodbye to the Strictly ballroom so far… Karen …

Strictly Come Dancing ‘axes five pro dancers’ including longest-standing favourite in new series shake-up

Strictly Come Dancing ‘axes five pro dancers’ including longest-standing favourite in new series shake-up

Published by Sam Flores

Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly facing a major shake-up ahead of its next series, with several professional dancers said to be leaving the programme before it returns later this year. The reported changes follow a period of transition for the BBC ballroom show after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down at the end of the previous season. Producers are now believed to be considering a refreshed line-up as the series prepares to return to screens this autumn. According to reports, a number of long-standing members of the professional troupe may not be invited back as part of the overhaul. A source told The Sun: “There are major changes taking place with dancers having meetings about their contracts over the next few weeks. Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.” Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly facing a major shake-up ahead of its next series (BBC) The reported overhaul has also created uncertainty among the remaining professionals, with insiders …

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 tipped to drop 3 professional dancers

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 tipped to drop 3 professional dancers

Published by Daniella Wilson

We’re still a good way off from the new season of Strictly Come Dancing, but as plans come together behind the scenes, it has been reported that three popular professional dancers are being dropped from the series. The Sun has reported that Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas will all be missing from the show’s line-up when it returns, with producers apparently wanting a “fresh start”. A source told the publication: “There are major changes taking place with dancers having meetings about their contracts over the next few weeks. Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.” Márquez has been with the series since 2016, reaching the final on three occasions. Meanwhile, Mushtuk has been with the series since 2018. More of a relative newcomer, Tsiakkas has been with the series since 2022. The BBC told The Sun in a statement: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.” Radio Times reached out to the …

BBC reportedly drops four Strictly professional dancers amid 2026 series shake-up – details

BBC reportedly drops four Strictly professional dancers amid 2026 series shake-up – details

Published by Daniella Wilson

The BBC has reportedly removed four professional dancers from the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up, according to reports by The Sun.  Among those apparently affected by the shake-up are professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30. 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 BurmistonChris and Nadiya on the …

Strictly Come Dancing ‘axes three professional dancers’ from 2026 series

Strictly Come Dancing ‘axes three professional dancers’ from 2026 series

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter The BBC has reportedly dropped three professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing. The embattled celebrity dance competition is currently undergoing significant change following the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, with rumours swirling as to who will replace them. The Sun now reports that longtime professional dancers Gorka Márquez, 35, and Luba Mushtuk, 36, will not be appearing in the next season. Newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, is also said to have departed the show. A source told the publication: “Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.” When approached for comment by The Independent, a BBC spokesperson said plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 would be confirmed “in due course”. The Independent has contacted representatives for Márquez, Mushtuk and Tsiakkas for comment. open …

Liza Minnelli makes candid comment on ‘dancer’s body’ at 79

Liza Minnelli makes candid comment on ‘dancer’s body’ at 79

Published by Daniella Wilson

Lisa Minnelli is just weeks away from turning 80. The star and EGOT winner, has had an illustrious career across music, theatre and film – but more than 50 years since she performed as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, she’s made a candid comment about ageing.  The 79-year-old has penned her first-ever memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, in which she details her heartbreak over her mother Judy Garland’s death, her friendship with the late Princess Diana, the moment she found out her husband Peter Allen was gay, and her struggle with addiction. In excerpts obtained by The Times, Liza got candid about ageing, admitting she had a “dancer’s body that steadily weakens”.  “If you’re picturing me in a rocking chair on a porch somewhere, looking back nostalgically, guess again. As much as I can be, days away from turning 80, I’m still in the game, baby,” she penned in the memoir ahead of her 80th birthday on March 12.   “I was given a dancer’s body that steadily weakens, but also a big heart and …