Entertainment & Celebrity News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! - Strictly Come Dancing Axes Five Pros, New Hosts in Talks

Episode Date: March 15, 2026

Strictly Come Dancing undergoes significant cast change, letting go of five professional dancers, including Gorka Marquez. The decision, based on audience research favoring male dancers, has sparked shock and anger among dancers. The shows judges remain, but host replacements are yet to be confirmed. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[e-mail] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [e-mail]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/99a164d0235bc4c7

From the Daily News Now Network, this is Corey with entertainment and celebrity news today. The BBC's Strictly Come Dancing shook up his professional dancer lineup last week by letting go of five pros, Karen Hauer, Nadia Byshkova, Lubas, Muhtuk, Michelle Siakas, and Gorka Marquez. This marked the biggest cast change in the show's 22-year run, catching many by surprise after emotional goodbyes at the end of last season. Earlier this year, dancers got word from bosses about a major refresh, similar to the exits of host Tess Daily and Claudia Winkleman. But sources say Gorka actually stepped away on his own, after judging the Spanish version of the show, not as part of the cuts. Dancers reacted with shock and anger, especially since they hoped the BBC might hold off following the public reading of former pro-Robin Windsor's. Suicide note last month. Windsor, who left in 2015, wrote that losing his spot started his downward spiral amid money woes and mental health struggles.

According to insiders, the decisions came down to detailed audience research showing mostly female viewers favor male dancers. Newcomers like Julian Coyne and Alexis War shown last year by reaching the finals, proving fresh talent is available. Looking ahead to the 23rd series in September, the judges, Shirley Bowley Bowell, Chris Revel Horwood, Motze Mabuse, and Anton Dubecki, stay put on. Their three-year deal. Host replacements remain up in the air, with names like Alex Jones, Zoe Ball, Angela Scanlon, Maya Jama, and Rylan Clark in talks. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor. Headphones in a Pillow.

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