Trending Now: More Strictly stars ‘at risk’ as BBC show tries to lean into being ‘TikTok friendly’ – Fans React

Reports suggest several Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers could leave the show as the BBC looks to attract younger viewers.

Concerns are growing behind the scenes at Strictly Come Dancing as speculation mounts several professional dancers could be leaving the long running BBC series. It comes amid a reported shift in strategy aimed at attracting younger viewers.

Fans reacted with shock after reports claimed popular professionals including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Marquez had all been dropped from the line up. Bychkova confirmed her departure in an Instagram statement earlier this week, just days after Hauer revealed she would be leaving the programme following 14 years on the show.

The reported exits prompted widespread debate online, with some viewers questioning why established favourites had been selected and speculation emerging around possible age related bias. However, claims later surfaced suggesting BBC executives had considered dancers’ social media reach, particularly on TikTok, as part of efforts to expand the show’s appeal among younger audiences.

Clips from the programme already attract millions of views across digital platforms, with insiders reportedly noting that bringing in performers with large online followings could further increase engagement and keep the show culturally relevant. According to figures circulating online, Dianne Buswell is believed to have retained her place partly due to her 966,000 TikTok followers, while Bychkova reportedly has around 19,000.

Hauer is said to have roughly 9,100 followers compared with newer professional Alexis Warr, who joined in 2025 and has about 190,600. Marquez reportedly has around 47,000 followers, while Tsiakkas has approximately 13,000 and Mushtuk does not appear to have an account.

Neil Jones, who is not always partnered with a celebrity contestant, is also expected to remain and has around 296,000 followers online. Meanwhile, professionals Nikita Kuzmin and Jowita Przystal are also staying, with follower counts reported at 125,400 and 112,400 respectively.

As first reported by The Sun, an insider claimed bosses recognise the growing importance of digital audiences, with Strictly clips generating “more than a billion views” across social media platforms last year. A source said: “Strictly is always looking for ways to increase its audience in terms of volume, but also in terms of attracting new, young viewers.

“Social media is a massive part of broadening that appeal, and TikTok is the perfect medium for a show where music and dance is at the forefront. They won’t simply lose someone from the line up because they aren’t big on TikTok, but it might just be the thing that saves them from exiting the line up.”

However, media experts have warned the strategy could carry risks for a programme already facing scrutiny in recent years. PR specialist Mayah Riaz told the Mirror: “There’s no denying this feels like a bold, and slightly risky, pivot for Strictly.

“The danger is alienating the very audience that built the show into a Saturday night institution. Strictly’s loyal viewers aren’t just casual fans, they’re emotionally invested.

“They’ve grown up with certain dancers and personalities, so when favourites are suddenly dropped, it can feel quite brutal and even disloyal from the show’s side. If Strictly leans too heavily into trying to be ‘cool’ or TikTok friendly, they risk losing the warmth and familiarity that makes it so special. That’s something money can’t buy back once it’s gone.

“Could it backfire? Yes, of course, it absolutely could in the short term. It may be that some older viewers start switching off if they feel the show no longer represents them.”

Questions have also been raised over whether additional professionals could face uncertainty. Nancy Xu reportedly has around 10,100 followers, Carlos Gu about 4,497, while Johannes Radebe does not appear to maintain a TikTok presence.

Reports have also suggested changes may extend beyond the dance floor, with It Takes Two presenters Fleur East and Janette Manrara rumoured to be affected. Riaz added: “Other professionals with similar follower numbers could absolutely feel under pressure. The risk with that is that it blurs what Strictly is actually about.

“The viewers aren’t falling in love with the pros because of their Instagram following, but they connect with their personalities and the journeys they create with their celebrity partners. I believe that there’s a fine line between evolution and identity loss. I think the smartest move for Strictly would be balance.

“They don’t need to sacrifice loyal fans to bring in new ones. The magic of Strictly has always been its cross generational appeal. If that balance tips too far in one direction, they risk losing its unique position in British TV culture.”