Strictly on the sidelines – professional dancers whove been dumped from the dancefloor

The Strictly Come Dancing live shows return to our screens tonight, with 15 new celebrities waiting to make their dancing debut.

With the cast made up of 15 big-name celebrities and 19 professional dancers, four pros will miss out this year.

The four who missed out were confirmed during the launch show on Saturday, 16 September.

They are Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones, Amy Dowden and Michelle Tsiakkas.

The four of them will be watching from the sidelines, but they will be taking part in the group numbers.

Nadiya missed out on a celebrity partner after dancing with singer Matt Goss last year.

The 34 year old has shared her disappointment at the decision but said that she will be supporting her fellow pros from the sidelines.

Taking to Instagram after the launch show aired, Nadiya said: "I’m sure you’ll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series.

"It is an amazing show to be a part of, and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more.

"I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros, and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year."

Nadiya has been on the BBC dancing show since 2017, and she is now in a relationship with fellow co-star Kai Widdrington.

As for Neil Jones, 41, he has missed out on a celebrity partner for the second series in a row.

He last had a celebrity partner in 2021, when he danced with Nina Wadia, but they were eliminated first from the show.

Neil is said to be "gutted" about the move, but he is about to become a dad for the first time with his fiancee, Chyna Mills.

An insider has told The Mirror : "Of course it's disappointing, but Neil feels like he's won the lottery at the moment, so he won't be sweating it too much.

"He and Chyna can't wait to welcome their new arrival, and at least his lesser role in this year's series means he will be able to be more hands-on."

Amy Dowden, 33, is currently battling breast cancer, and as a result, she will be supporting the new cast from a distance.

During the launch show, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman paid a special tribute to the Welsh dancer.

They said: "We are, of course, missing one of our professional dancers. Our gorgeous Amy Dowden is unwell, and she can't be with us for the start of the series, but she's our Welsh dragon, and we know she'll be back soon."

Finally, Michelle Tsiakkas joined the show in 2022, but she is yet to be paired up with a celebrity.

The 28 year old has yet to comment on the news.

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