Strictly Come Dancing 2026 tipped to drop 3 popular professional dancers from show’s cast in major shake-up

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The new season of Strictly Come Dancing is still months away, but reports suggest that three of the show’s well-known professional dancers won’t be returning this year as plans for the next series are finalized.

According to The Sun, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas won’t be part of the show when it comes back, as producers are looking for a new direction and a ‘fresh start’.

According to a source, dancers are meeting with management over the next few weeks to discuss their contracts. Following recent difficulties, the organization is aiming for a fresh start and plans to introduce new performers to usher in a new phase.

Márquez has been a part of the series since 2016, even reaching the final three times. Mushtuk joined in 2018, and Tsiakkas is the newest addition, having started in 2022.

The BBC said in a statement to The Sun that details about Strictly Come Dancing in 2026 will be announced later.

TopMob reached out to the BBC and representatives for Marquez, Mushtuk and Tsiakkas for comment.

If those three judges leave, they won’t be the only familiar faces missing from the next season of Strictly. Last year, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also announced they were leaving, which is a big change for the show after so many years.

It’s still unclear who will replace the departing pair, but reports last month suggested Mel Giedroyc might be a possibility for one of the positions.

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Emma Willis and Zoe Ball have also been considered as potential hosts, and reports indicate that the show will choose one of them, but not both.

According to a source who spoke with The Sun in February, show executives are looking for a host pairing that balances experience with fresh energy. They want a traditional presenter alongside a female stand-up comedian, hoping to replicate the comedic style Claudia Winkleman brought to the show, especially her popular ‘Claudatorium’ segment.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, an international TV production company. He has a BA degree in English and Theatre Studies, and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-03-08 22:04