Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly axed at least three professional dancers from the line-up ahead of the new series in a huge shake-up to the 2026 show. It comes as BBC bosses are also looking into new hosts following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's decision to step down. It's been reported that contracts are currently being assessed, but three favourites, including Gorka Marquez, will be axed from the new series.

Another person said to have been cut from the line-up is Luba Mushtuk, alongside Michelle Tsiakkas. Gorka first appeared on Strictly in 2016, and while he didn't have a celebrity partner last year, he remained involved in the routines and the final show. Luba joined the series in 2018, while Michelle joined in 2022. However, it's now been reported that the BBC are keen for a "fresh start".

According to The Sun, major changes are taking place at the moment while the dancers are having meetings about their contracts, but it's said that bosses are keen for a "fresh start" and they want to bring new people in to create "a new era".

A BBC spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course."

It's the latest line of changes for the show with the dancers undergoing a fresh culling while the BBC are yet to announce who will be stepping in to replace the former hosts Tess and Claudia. The pair had worked together as the hosts of the show for over a decade, with Tess hosting since the show first began in 2004.

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It's no secret that 2026 will be a year of big change for the popular BBC show after the announcement of the hosting duo's exit came during the last series.

The pair had an emotional send off for the Christmas Day special as they said their final goodbyes while Claudia said at the end of the show: "Thank you again for watching us over the years, it has meant a world to us. There's just one thing left to do. Come on, Tess." She then grabbed her partner and they danced together, as Tess added: "For our very final time, Claud."

The pair had said of their exit that hosting the show together had been an "absolute dream".