Strictly Come Dancing Pros Depart and Return for 2024 Series
The BBC has announced that five professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing will not be returning as preparations for the new series begin.
Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female professional on the show, has left after 14 years. In March, she stated that she had
"decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects".
Alongside Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas are also departing. The BBC has not yet announced who will replace these professionals.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will all return for the upcoming series. However, there is still no update on who will succeed Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts.
On Wednesday, the BBC provided an update confirming that 15 of the 20 professionals from last year will return for the next series.
"This year a dynamic and world class roster of returning Professional Dancers will be joined by fresh top talent from the international dance world, bringing an exciting mix of experience and showmanship to the Strictly ballroom,"the statement read.
Karen Hauer Reflects on Her Departure
Hauer announced her exit in an Instagram video in March, expressing the impact the show has had on her life.
"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."
She also humorously noted that she, Tess Daly, and Claudia Winkleman could
"finally be ladies who lunch in the autumn". Despite leaving the show, Hauer has been cast as a dance teacher in the comedy play Stepping Out, starting in August.
"I'll even miss standing in front of the judges,"she added.
"Can you believe that? Smiling politely while sometimes secretly disagreeing."
Departing Professionals' Backgrounds
Gorka Marquez is leaving after ten years on the show. He did not have a celebrity partner last year due to scheduling conflicts related to his role as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly.
His celebrity partners have included presenter Gemma Atkinson, whom he met during the 2019 Strictly Christmas special. The couple are now life partners and have two children together.
Nadiya Bychkova joined Strictly in 2017. In March, she shared her excitement about having more time for new projects and to spend with her daughter, stating
"Life feels full of possibilities."
Luba Mushtuk, who joined in 2018, said it was time to pursue her dreams beyond the show and expressed enthusiasm about the future.
Michelle Tsiakkas' Departure
Michelle Tsiakkas joined the show in 2022 but did not have a celebrity partner last year.
On Instagram, she wished her Strictly colleagues well and reflected on her time on the show.
"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."
Returning Professionals and Upcoming Series
Among the returning professionals is Amy Dowden, who was the first to be eliminated last year with partner Tom Skinner. Dowden had to withdraw from the 2024 series due to injury and missed the 2023 series after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
The new series is expected to begin in September.
The full list of returning professionals has not been detailed in this announcement.
