Strictly Come Dancing Faces Major Shake-Up as Five Professionals Are Dropped
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff has declared that the long-running BBC entertainment show requires a period of being 'rested' following the sensational axing of five professional dancers from its lineup. This mass departure, described by insiders as a 'bloodbath', comes hot on the heels of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving the programme, signalling a period of significant upheaval for the popular Saturday night fixture.
A Call to Return to Dancing Fundamentals
Kristina Rihanoff, who performed as a professional on Strictly from 2008 until 2015, has publicly shared her perspective that the series needs a complete break if producers are intent on a substantial revamp. Speaking to The Independent, the dancer advocated for a back-to-basics approach.
'If I were a producer, I would give it a rest for a year, regroup and think about what we can do differently,' Rihanoff stated. 'There's something to say about going back to basics and back to its roots – the roots of the show were pure ballroom and Latin dancing without the razzmatazz of 101 props and 3D projections.'
She elaborated on her vision, reminiscing about her early years on the programme. 'When I came onto the show, it was about ballroom and Latin dancing. It was minimum props, all the group dances were live. The professionals were choreographing it and the celebrities had to learn proper ballroom and Latin dancing. It would not do any harm to go back to the good old-fashioned [ways].'
The Fallout: Veteran Dancers Depart as Contracts End
The five professionals confirmed to have been dropped are:
- Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female pro who joined in 2012.
- Nadiya Bychkova.
- Michelle Tsiakkas.
- Luba Mushtuk.
- Gorka Márquez.
According to sources speaking to the Daily Mail, Karen Hauer was informed just days ago that her contract would not be renewed. An insider revealed, 'Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year. It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.'
A second source highlighted the emotional impact, noting, 'It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show. Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future.' The source added that Hauer, who also works as a choreographer and in fitness, can now focus more on those ventures.
Contractual Uncertainty and Mental Strain
Rihanoff also shed light on the precarious nature of employment for the show's dancers, explaining her own decision to leave in 2015. She shared that all professional dancers are only offered year-long contracts, and the constant 'jeopardy' surrounding their future on the programme can exact a significant mental toll. 'I didn't want to be there anymore,' she admitted, referencing this atmosphere of uncertainty.
Who's In and Who's Out? The New Lineup Takes Shape
Amidst the departures, it has been confirmed that Katya Jones will remain with the show, having been handed a new contract by producers. Furthermore, it is reported that Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have also received the green light to stay.
Conversely, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Aljaž Škorjanec will make a return. Additionally, Neil Jones and Nancy Xu, who have rarely been assigned celebrity partners in recent series, are expected to go without a partner again this year, though they may still feature in the large group dance numbers.
Karen Hauer's Strictly Legacy
Karen Hauer leaves behind a notable legacy on the show. Her final celebrity partner was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. In previous years, she danced with former footballer Paul Merson and comedian Eddie Kadi. She showcased her versatility by performing in a same-sex pairing with comic Jayde Adams in 2022, following Katya Jones who was the first female pro to do so.
Other notable partners included TOWIE's Mark Wright, one of the first reality stars signed to Strictly. Despite her long tenure and reaching the final in 2014 with Mark Wright and again in 2020 with Jamie Laing, Karen Hauer never clinched the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Her personal life also intersected with the show, as she was previously married to fellow Strictly pro Kevin Clifton; the pair continued to work together professionally after their divorce.
Aiming for a Fresh Start
Sources suggest that BBC bosses are pushing for a comprehensive refresh of the Strictly Come Dancing brand. This move follows years of criticism and various controversies surrounding the professional dancers and the show's format. The dramatic culling of established names appears to be a clear signal of intent to reinvent the series for its next chapter, potentially heeding calls like Rihanoff's for a fundamental rethink.
