Strictly Come Dancing professionals Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu have responded to the widespread speculation about multiple dancers being dropped from the hit BBC show.
The speculation centres on several well-known names from the professional roster potentially facing removal from the programme.
According to reports, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Katya Jones and Karen Hauer are all understood to be at risk of losing their places on the Saturday night favourite.
A source claimed to other publications that producers view the situation similarly to managing a football squad, explaining that even successful teams regularly refresh their line-up to maintain their competitive edge.
The Strictly professionals discussed the axing rumours
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“A lot of the people going are now established names and stars in their own right but you have to remember that to be on the show, they also had to replace someone else at one point,” the source said.
GB News has contacted BBC bosses for comment.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Dowden and Gu were quizzed by presenter Charlie Stayt about rumours that have dominated headlines this week.
Dowden told viewers: “There is, you know, we get asked this all the time. Nothing has come from the BBC officially yet.
The BBC presenter quizzed the stars on their return this year
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“So, we’re really hoping to be back dancing with our gorgeous Strictly family later this year.”
She urged fans to hold off on drawing conclusions, adding: “But, wait until any official announcements are made. There’s so much speculation, but nothing has come from the BBC.”
Stayt acknowledged the challenging position the dancers find themselves in, pointing out that while audiences become absorbed in the programme’s sparkle and glamour, the professionals are ultimately facing uncertainty about their employment.
He directly noted: “This is a job for you, so it’s speculation on whether or not you’ve got a job. That’s quite tricky, isn’t it, in a way? It’s work.”
The pair did not confirm or deny the rumours
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BBC
The question highlighted the reality of the behind the sequins and ballroom routines – that for the professional dancers, the annual speculation represents genuine concern about their livelihoods rather than mere entertainment industry gossip.
Dowden responded by emphasising the passion the professionals bring to the programme, stating simply: “We love it!”
Gu elaborated on what the show means to those who perform on it, describing Strictly as far more significant than simply a workplace.
He told the BBC presenters: “It’s not only the work, it’s for us as a dancer, I think it’s the best platform you can ever be on and to give you the opportunity to really shine through your talents.
“For dancers and as artists, we live our life and we give everything that we have. We put our heart and soul into it, so beyond that, it’s more than just a job and just work, it’s our life.”
His words underscored how deeply intertwined the dancers’ identities are with their roles on the long-running competition.
Among those reportedly affected is Karen Hauer, who has been part of the Strictly cast since 2012, making her the longest-serving female professional on the programme.
According to the Daily Mail, the 43-year-old was informed last week that her contract would not be renewed, with a source describing the situation as “very much a case of out with the old and in with the new”.
Karen is one of the longest running professionals on the series
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BBC
Hauer returned to social media following the reports, sharing photographs of her pet dogs without directly addressing the speculation.
The shake-up extends beyond the dance floor, with presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman having already confirmed their departure following last year’s series.
The hosting duo said they had “always going to leave together” and that “now feels like the right time”.
The BBC has not yet announced their replacements for the 2026 series.
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