Five Professionals Depart Strictly Come Dancing Ahead of 2026 Series

Key facts

• Five professional dancers are leaving Strictly Come Dancing.
• Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving female pro, departs after 14 years.
• Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas are also leaving.
• 15 of last year's 20 professional dancers will return for the 2026 series.
• Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke are returning.
• The BBC will recruit new professional dancers.
• The show will make its annual trip to Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Shake-up in the Ballroom as Professionals Exit

The BBC has confirmed a significant reshuffling of its professional dance troupe for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing. Five long-standing members of the show's celebrated line-up are departing, marking the end of an era for many viewers. This announcement comes as the broadcaster gears up for the next series, signalling a period of transition for the beloved entertainment programme. The departures include Karen Hauer, who has been a fixture on the show for 14 years and holds the distinction of being its longest-serving female professional. Her exit, alongside that of Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, signals a substantial change in the professional cast that viewers have come to know and admire. While the identities of the new professionals are yet to be revealed, the BBC has stated that they will be announced closer to the show's autumn return. This influx of fresh talent is intended to complement the experienced roster of returning dancers, promising an exciting blend of seasoned performers and new international stars.

Veteran Dancers Bid Farewell

Karen Hauer, who joined Strictly in its early years, announced her decision to leave in March, citing a desire to pursue new projects. She reflected on her time on the show, stating that it had profoundly changed her life and that she cherished the friendships forged with celebrity partners and colleagues. Gorka Marquez, a fan favourite, is departing after a decade. His departure follows a period of reduced involvement in the UK series due to his role as a judge on the Spanish version of the show, Dancing With The Stars Spain. Marquez acknowledged the show's significant impact on his life, enabling him to build a career from his passion, find love, and start a family. Nadiya Bychkova also expressed her excitement for new opportunities and spending more time with her daughter, while Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk are also moving on. The BBC has extended its gratitude to all departing dancers, commending Tsiakkas for her professionalism and Marquez for his exceptional contributions.

Familiar Faces Remain on Judging Panel

Despite the significant changes among the professional dancers, the show's formidable judging panel is set to remain intact. Head Judge Shirley Ballas will return, accompanied by veteran judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke. Their continued presence ensures a sense of continuity and familiar authority over the competition. However, the hosting situation remains a subject of speculation. As of the latest update, there has been no announcement regarding who will step into the roles of presenters, following the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. This leaves a key position within the show's structure yet to be filled. The BBC has also confirmed the return of popular themed weeks, including Movie Week, Icons, Halloween, and Musicals. The innovative Instant Dance challenge, introduced last year, will also feature again, promising to maintain the show's blend of tradition and novelty.

A Roster of 15 Returning Professionals

In an update shared on Wednesday, the BBC revealed that 15 of the 20 professional dancers from the previous series will be back for the 2026 season. This substantial cohort of returning talent will form the backbone of the professional cast, providing a wealth of experience and established chemistry. These returning dancers will be augmented by new professionals recruited from the international dance circuit. The broadcaster anticipates that this mix of established stars and fresh faces will inject renewed energy and excitement into the Strictly ballroom. The aim is to present an "exciting mix of experience and showmanship" for the upcoming competition. Details regarding the specific professional dancers who will be returning have been released, showcasing a strong contingent of familiar names. The BBC's statement highlighted the dynamic and world-class nature of the roster being assembled for the new series.

Show's Signature Elements to Continue

Strictly Come Dancing is set to continue its tradition of broadcasting live from the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. This annual pilgrimage to the historic venue is a highlight for both the dancers and the viewing public, offering a unique and grand stage for the competition. The programme will also retain several of its popular themed weeks, which have become a hallmark of the series. These special episodes, celebrating genres such as movies, music icons, Halloween, and musicals, provide creative opportunities for the celebrity and professional pairings. Furthermore, the Instant Dance challenge, a format introduced in the previous season that demands quick improvisation from the couples, will make a comeback. This element adds an unpredictable and high-stakes dimension to the competition, testing the dancers' adaptability and skill under pressure.

Context of Departures and Future Outlook

The departures come amidst a period of evolution for the show, which consistently ranks among the United Kingdom's most-watched television programmes. The BBC's strategy appears to be one of refreshing the cast while retaining core elements that contribute to its enduring appeal, such as the judging panel and signature themed weeks. For the departing professionals, the exits open doors to new career avenues. Karen Hauer is slated to appear in a comedy play, while Gorka Marquez has found a stable family life and continued involvement in dance through international projects. These transitions highlight the diverse career paths available to performers who gain prominence through the show. The upcoming series, therefore, presents a blend of continuity and change. With a confirmed judging panel and the return of many professional dancers, the core of Strictly Come Dancing remains familiar. Yet, the introduction of new professional talent and the ongoing question of the hosting lineup suggest that the show is poised for a dynamic and potentially revitalised chapter.

The bottom line

• Five professional dancers, including Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez, have departed Strictly Come Dancing.
• The BBC has confirmed that 15 of the previous season's 20 professional dancers will return for the 2026 series.
• The judging panel, comprising Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke, will remain the same.
• New professional dancers will be recruited to fill the vacant spots.
• Popular elements such as themed weeks and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom show will continue.
• The show's hosting lineup has not yet been announced.