Strictly professionals lead tributes to Michelle Tsiakkas after ’emotional’ exit

Strictly Come Dancing professionals including Vito Coppola and Amy Dowden are among the stars who have paid tribute to Michelle Tsiakkas after the news that she has stepped down from the show.

The 30-year-old made the “emotional” announcement on Instagram on Tuesday and said she had “hoped to have more time” on the BBC dancing competition.

The Cyprus-born dancer also revealed that she had made the “very hard decision” to pull out from the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour.

Speaking about the tour, which kicks off in May, she wrote: “I was really looking forward to performing for you all and sharing the stage with my friends, but I know that right now I wouldn’t have been able to give you my very best, and you deserve the best.”

Tsiakkas said Strictly is “a show I’ll always hold close to my heart”, and beneath the post she wrote: “A chapter ends, but a new one begins. Forever grateful for your love and support.”

She was partnered with former EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick during her four-year tenure on the show.

Tsiakkas also danced with Westlife star Brian McFadden for a one-off performance during last year’s Christmas special.

Her departure comes after fellow professional dancers Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk announced they were leaving the show.

Coppola, who has been a professional dancer on Strictly since 2022, was among the stars offering their support in the comments beneath Tsiakkas’s post.

The 33-year-old Italian wrote: “We love you Mish. You are an amazing person, so talented and a beautiful soul. Proud to be your friend. Cannot wait to see you keep shining. You can always count on me, as real friendship never dies.”

Welsh dancer Dowden, who has been on the show since 2017, said: “Sending you all the love darling.”

EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who came fourth in the latest series of the show, wrote: “You are such a beautiful dancer and human, Michelle.

“Doors will open, new opportunities will come. And, I for one will be following and supporting your journey. Sending you love, always.”

Other celebrities to comment included Tsiakkas’s Strictly co-stars, professional dancers Johannes Radebe and Nancy Xu and judge Motsi Mabuse.

She was also praised in a post on the BBC Strictly Instagram page for her “talent, dedication and energy” during her time on the show.

The broadcaster wrote: “Thank you to Michelle Tsiakkas for everything she has brought to Strictly Come Dancing over the past four series.

“During her time on the show, Michelle has delivered some excellent performances, whether in the series’ group routines, alongside guest music artists, or with celebrity partners across the main series and the Christmas special whom she has always taught with professionalism, respect and kindness.

“Her talent, dedication and energy have been much appreciated, and everyone wishes her all the very best for what comes next.”