Strictly Come Dancing: Which professionals will be on the 2026 series?
There's some big changes!
After 23 series, it looks like Strictly Come Dancing is undergoing some major changes this year! As well long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving the show, in recent weeks bosses have announced the departure of a number of professional dancers.
Here we take a look at which professionals won't be returning, and which ones we'd love to see back on the hit entertainment show.
Who are Strictly Come Dancing professionals 2026?
Although nothing has been confirmed about which professionals will returning to the show, we do expect a number of new faces.
There's so far no word on the likes of Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Vito Coppola.
After joining the show in 2025, it's also not yet known if Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon will return for 2026.
Which dancers have left Strictly Come Dancing?
So far this year, the BBC have announced the exits of four professional dancers, including Karen Hauer who has appeared for the last 14 years.
Karen Hauer
On 23rd March, Strictly pro Karen Hauer announced her departure. Sharing an update with fans on Instagram, Karen said in a video: "After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I've decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I'm passionate about.
"Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being. I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners who have become close friends and people I admire so much.
"None of this would have been possible without the amazing fans. You've been there since day one when I just moved to the UK and had no idea what I was getting myself into. I'm so grateful you watched me grow over the years and witnessed all of my different hairstyles."
Strictly's Executive producer Sarah James reacted to the news, saying in a statement: 'We would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Karen Hauer for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the last 14 years. As the longest-serving female professional dancer in the history of the show, Karen has given so much of herself and her time to the programme, and we are extremely grateful for the passion, creativity and dedication she has brought to every single performance.
'She has captivated audiences with her talent, warmth and genuine love of dance and has been responsible for some of the most iconic partnerships and joyous routines the Strictly dance floor has ever seen.
'We thank her for all these memorable moments and for her incredible work ethic. Her professionalism and sense of humour shine through everything she achieves and we can’t wait to see where her next chapter takes her'.
Nadiya Bychkova
Just a few days later on 25th March, the BBC also announced that Nadiya Bychkova would be leaving the show.
A statement from the broadcaster read: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry, and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.
'Over the years, Nadiya has delivered countless memorable performances, showcasing not only her exceptional talents as a dancer and choreographer but also her brilliance as a teacher to all her celebrity partners.
'A consummate professional, Nadiya embodies the very best of what Strictly stands for. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to the show and wish her every success for the future.'
Luba Mushtuk
On 27th March, Luba Mushtuk also revealed she won't be returning, after 10 years!
Luba told her followers: 'With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing.
'I am deeply grateful for the past 10 years on this beautiful show!
'Thank you for the amazing opportunity and the unforgettable memories.
'It has truly meant the world to me. Now it's time for me to follow my dreams beyond the show, and I'm excited for what the future holds.
'I can't wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I'm really looking forward to it for one last time.
'With all my love, Luba'. (sic)
Michelle Tsiakkas
After reports were rife she'd been axed, Cypriot dancer Michelle Tsiakkas took to social media on 31st March to confirm she's not been asked back to the show, and has also pulled out of the Strictly professionals tour which is due to begin in May.
Michelle wrote: 'Hi everyone, I wanted to share an update 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 over the past 4 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 the team for being supportive 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 to 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 connect with the audience'.
She added: 'I've 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 my 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'.
The BBC thanked Michelle for her time on the show, saying: '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.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC in September.
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