Some of Strictly Come Dancing’s biggest professionals are reportedly at risk of being axed in a huge shake-up.
Following a year that has seen the beloved BBC show hit by a string of scandals, sources are now claiming that bosses are planning to bring in a new generation of young dancers, with up to five veteran names at risk of being dropped.
Among those at risk are thought to be Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones, four of which have already been eliminated from this year’s competition.
Currently, only Katya is still competing on this year’s Strictly, but she was previously embroiled in a ‘groping’ scandal with her celebrity partner Wynne Evans.
In contrast, younger professionals such as Jowita Przystal, who is paired with Pete Wicks, and Vito Coppola, dancing with Sarah Hadland, have wowed viewers.
Some of Strictly Come Dancing’s biggest professionals, including Nadiya Bychkova, are reportedly at risk of being axed by bosses in a huge shake-up
Among those at risk are thought to be Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones (pictured), Karen Hauer , Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones, four of which have already been eliminated
A source told The Sun: ‘The review of the line-up has always been about making a fresh start, and that was always going to be affected by which dancers performed well this series.
‘The feeling is that the Strictly troupe is made up of some fading stars, while others are rising stars.
‘And in many cases there are certain characters whose shoes can easily be filled with younger, up-and-coming counterparts. It’s harsh but it’s just part of the traditional turnover of showbusiness.’
A representative for Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez and Katya Jones for comment.
It was previously reported back in July that some of Strictly’s biggest professional names were at risk of being axed, as bosses planned to bring in some fresh young names.
A source told The Sun: ‘There’s the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.
‘It’s not a done deal, and it’s not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too.
Before adding: ‘The fact that the BBC are even considering making big changes and bringing in fresh blood is a sign of how keen they are to move on and make every effort to ensure nothing like this happens again’.
Following a year that has seen Strictly hit by a string of scandals, sources are now claiming that bosses are planning to bring in a new generation of young dancers (Karen Hauer pictured)
Currently, only Katya is still competing on this year’s Strictly, but she was previously embroiled in a ‘groping’ scandal with her celebrity partner Wynne Evans
Strictly’s milestone 20th year has been marred by scandal – after actress Amanda Abbington unexpectedly quit the show last October before claiming her partner Giovanni Pernice was abusive towards her. He was later cleared of ten of her 16 allegations.
The show was then hit with a fresh wave of scandal when Graziano Di Prima was sacked in July for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Elsewhere, it’s also been reported that fellow pro Johannes Radebe is poised to leave Strictly at the end of the series.
The South African dancer, who has become a fan-favourite since he joined the show in 2018, has landed two huge projects in 2025, with sources now claiming his schedule is too jam-packed for a return to the ballroom.
Johannes is set to star in Kinky Boots: The Musical for the first seven months of the year, and is also working on a movie adaptation of his life story.
The dancer is currently paired with Gladiators star Montell Douglas, and the pair have been tipped to reach the final.
Elsewhere, it’s also been reported that fellow pro Johannes Radebe is poised to leave Strictly at the end of the series (pictured with Montell Douglas)
A source told The Sun: ‘Johannes is hugely loved on the show and there isn’t an atom of bad feeling about him leaving.
‘Of course, bosses will probably try to find a way to bring him back at some point and he would no doubt consider returning.
‘But for now, he just has too much to juggle alongside the contest. It isn’t just the announced projects that he’s working on, there are other opportunities in the pipeline too, which he can now explore further.’
A representative for Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline. A representative for Johannes Radebe has been contacted for comment.
From January to July, Johannes is set to star in a leading role in the touring production of Kinky Boots The Musical, which is written by pop legend Cyndi Lauper.
He’s set to perform over 200 shows in 25 different cities across the UK and Ireland, in cities randing from Dublin to Plymouth and Brighton to Edinburgh.