Arlene Phillips: 'No Dancer Promises Forever'

Choreographer Arlene Phillips has voiced strong opinions on dancers expressing distress over their dismissal from Strictly Come Dancing, asserting that career longevity is never guaranteed. Phillips, who experienced a high-profile exit from the judging panel in 2008, commented that the world of dance demands resilience and the ability to cope with frequent rejection.

Phillips' remarks come as five professional dancers, including Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Marquez, were reportedly axed ahead of the 2026 series. Sources indicate that Strictly bosses are now prioritizing dancers with larger social media followings, particularly on TikTok, to attract younger audiences. This alleged shift in selection criteria has led to the departures of dancers with smaller online fan bases, even if they are popular or long-serving on the show.

Further shake-ups are anticipated for the spin-off program 'It Takes Two,' with reports suggesting that hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara might also be departing. This potential revamp aims to provide a "clean slate" for the BBC Two show, distancing it from recent controversies and ushering in a new era. Despite these changes, there is a possibility that Janette and Fleur could be offered other roles within the BBC.

Other professional dancers, such as Neil Jones and Nancy Xu, are also expected to feature without celebrity partners this year, though they may still participate in group performances. The overall restructuring reflects a broader strategy by BBC bosses to address criticisms and controversies that have surrounded the professional dancers in recent years.