The forthcoming run of Strictly Come Dancing will see substantial alterations, with fresh faces presenting alongside numerous ballroom experts departing the programme.
Gorka Marquez has now verified his departure from the long-running BBC ballroom contest, becoming part of a cohort of dancers who will not feature in the next instalment.
Reports suggest that plans are underway to revamp the format, particularly in light of the exits of established presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Below is the full compilation of Strictly professionals who have departed the BBC show and will not feature in the upcoming series later this year.
All Strictly professionals who have left the BBC show for the 2026 series
Karen Hauer
Karen held the position of the most experienced Strictly professional in the current lineup when her dismissal was announced.
An insider disclosed at the time that the dancer felt deeply distressed after receiving the news but was attempting to stay optimistic about what lies ahead.
She began her Strictly career in 2012, achieving her finest result in 2020 when she ended as runner-up alongside Jamie Laing from Made in Chelsea.
Karen Hauer was the veteran professional when she left (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Following Karen’s exit, Aljaž Škorjanec now holds the title of longest-serving current Strictly professional, having taken part in every series except 2022 and 2023 since 2013.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya Bychkova was another professional who was released from the BBC dance competition after almost ten years with the programme.
Her best result came in the 2021 series alongside television presenter Dan Walker, where they achieved fifth place.
Despite leaving the show, she expressed that this was not a conclusion and that she looked forward to remaining part of the Strictly world for many years to come through avenues she was beginning to explore.
She conveyed enthusiasm about having opportunity to dedicate time to fresh ventures and to enjoy more quality moments with her daughter, feeling that life was full of potential.
Luba Mushtuk
The Russian professional announced her departure from Strictly in late March, having been a member of the series for a decade.
She thanked the programme for the wonderful opportunity and the unforgettable experiences in a statement at that time.
Viewers were upset by the dancer’s exit, with one observer noting that they felt the programme was being ruined.
Another remarked that followers would need to be let in on the reasoning behind this widespread culling, as loyal audience members who support all the professionals had struggled to comprehend why this was happening.
Michelle Tsiakkas
The dancer from Cyprus stated that she had wished for additional time on the BBC dancing competition in a statement at the time.
She had only joined in 2022 and was not matched with a celebrity in the most recent series.
She also disclosed that she had reached the difficult decision to pull out of the forthcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour.
The BBC commented that her skill, commitment and enthusiasm had been greatly valued, and everyone hoped she would have tremendous success in her future endeavors.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka is the most recent Strictly professional to confirm he will not be returning in 2026.
He was another long-serving dancer, having joined in 2016, and achieved runner-up spots on three occasions, most recently in 2022 with Helen Skelton.
The show’s official Instagram account referred to the Spanish performer as an enormously popular member of the programme.
The account stated that they wished to offer heartfelt gratitude to Gorka for his outstanding contributions to Strictly Come Dancing throughout the years.
Other changes for Strictly Come Dancing in 2026
The next series of Strictly may appear considerably different to many viewers, with executives reportedly overhauling the programme.
The most significant alteration is the loss of long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Speculation has circled potential successors, including figures such as Alex Jones, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Emma Willis.
The beloved spin-off programme, Strictly – It Takes Two, is also reportedly being cancelled in favour of a podcast-style format designed to attract a wider, younger viewership.
The format would apparently bear similarities to The Traitors spin-off Uncloaked, presented by Ed Gamble.
Whispers suggest that Janette Manrara and Fleur East may not return.
Which dancer or dancers will you miss most in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.