Alex Kingston has admitted she believes it is “a shame” so many of the show’s veteran professional dancers have left following the BBC’s sweeping overhaul of the ballroom line-up.
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who competed on the 2025 series alongside fan favourite Johannes Radebe, shared her thoughts after five established professionals departed ahead of the new series.
Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas have all exited the programme as the BBC prepares for a refreshed era of Strictly.
While some dancers announced they were leaving to pursue new opportunities, sources suggested several professionals were axed as part of a major shake-up following the programme’s behind-the-scenes controversies.
Speaking exclusively to GB News at the National Film Awards on Wednesday, Ms Kingston admitted she feels the departures are a loss for viewers.
When asked whether it was a shame that several veteran dancers had left or been forced to leave the show, she replied: “I do think it’s a shame, because I think something that maybe is not fully recognised is how the public is not just interested in the contestants.
“The public loves the dancers. Everybody has their favourite dancer, I have my favourite dancer!
“So there’s a real connection, and I think that with all of the changes… It’s a lot.”
| BBC
The 62-year-old’s comments come after the BBC confirmed 15 professional dancers will return for the 2026 series, with several new faces set to join the cast.
Among those returning are Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Johannes Radebe, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu and reigning champion Carlos Gu.
The shake-up follows one of the biggest periods of change in the programme’s history, with the departures of long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as well as the overhaul of the professional dancer line-up.
Ms Kingston herself became a fan-favourite during last year’s competition after partnering Mr Radebe, with the pair affectionately nicknamed “Team JoKing” by viewers.
The duo reached week 10 of the competition, producing several standout performances, including a rumba to Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car that earned Ms Kingston her first perfect 10 from head judge Shirley Ballas.
When pressed on who her favourite professional dancer was, Ms Kingston had no hesitation in naming her former dance partner.
“That’s JoJo,” she said.
“Hands down, 100 percent JoJo out of all of the dancers. He calls me Mum.”
The BBC has said the new series will feature “a dynamic and world-class roster” of returning professionals alongside fresh talent from the international dance world, promising “an exciting mix of experience and showmanship” when Strictly returns later this year.
Ms Kingston was speaking after collecting the Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series award at the 12th National Film Awards UK, held at London’s Porchester Hall.
The actress was recognised for her performance in ITV drama Secret Service, beating a strong field of nominees including her co-star Amaka Okafor, Zoe Wanamaker (Bergerac), Katie Leung (Bridgerton), Masali Baduza (Bridgerton), Erin Doherty (Adolescence), Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses), Anjli Mohindra (Half Man) and Kristin Scott Thomas (Slow Horses).
