BBC finally shares statement on Michelle Tsiakkas' Strictly exit as fans spot glaring omission
Michelle has become the fourth dancer to leave the showStrictly fans have lashed out at the BBC after the broadcaster shared a statement confirming Michelle Tsiakkas’ exit from the show.
Michelle, 30, has joined Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, and Karen Hauer in being axed from the programme ahead of the 2026 series.
View this post on Instagram
BBC announce Michelle Tsiakkas has left Strictly
Earlier today, it was officially announced that Michelle has left Strictly.
Michelle joined the show in 2022. However, during her four series on the programme, she only had one celebrity partner – Jamie Borthwick – on the main show.
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
Sharing a statement to the official Strictly Instagram, the BBC said: “Thank you to Michelle Tsiakkas for everything she has brought to Strictly Come Dancing over the last four series.
“During her time on the show, Michelle has delivered some excellent performances, whether in the series’ group routines, alongside guest musical artists, or with celebrity partners across the main series and the Christmas special, whom she has taught with professionalism, respect, and kindness,” the statement then continued.
BBC slammed over Michelle Tsiakkas statement
The statement then read: “Her talent, dedication, and energy have been much appreciated, and everyone wishes her all the very best for what comes next.”
However, fans were left unhappy with the statement and took to the comment section to hit out over the broadcaster’s wording.
“Not a ‘huge’ or ‘heartfelt’ thank you to Michelle like everyone else? Language matters,” one fan fumed.
This was in reference to the BBC’s statements to Nadiya, Luba, and Karen beginning with: “We would like to say a huge thank you” and “a heartfelt thank you”.
“It’s so neutrally worded [sad emoji],” another wrote.
“I noticed this too. Feels like a school report instead of a thank you,” a third remarked.
“These strictly posts are becoming awkward and embarrassing,” another said.
Michelle speaks out
The announcement of Michelle’s axing comes just days after she did a tell-all interview with The Sun.
In the interview, Michelle claimed she was sacked via video call, and wasn’t given a reason for her axing.
“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. I didn’t see it coming. I thought I had more time. When she told me I wasn’t coming back, there was a moment of shock. I felt my story was unfinished. 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,” she said.
She then said: “I wasn’t given a reason as to why I was being dropped, which made it harder to digest. I was the second youngest female dancer on the cast. I was just told they were going in a different direction and wanted new faces to freshen it up.
“I do wonder if they want to change so much because of the scandals in the past. Nothing was clear, so it made it harder for me. I had no idea they wanted to make these changes.”
Earlier today, she confirmed her exit, admitting she “hoped to have more time” on the programme.
Read more: BBC shares statement as crying Karen Hauer confirms she’s quit Strictly Come Dancing
