Strictly Come Dancing bosses are currently facing an ageism row from their long-term and loyal fans as rumours claim five of the professional dancers could be facing the chop.
Some of the show's most loved professionals are reportedly at risk of losing their spots. This would mark a huge shakeup for Strictly following its year plagued by controversy.
Nadiya Bychkova, 35, Neil Jones, 42, Karen Hauer, 42, Gorka Marquez, 34, and Katya Jones, 35, are the five in question.
Out of the five, Jones is the only professional who is still taking part in this year’s competition but recently found herself in a scandal with celebrity partner Wynne Evans.
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 in 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.
Karen Hauer and Katya Jones are amongst the five names to be booted next year
BBC
"It’s harsh but it’s just part of the traditional turnover of showbusiness. Of the five names in the mix, almost all of them went out in the first half of the series, which is very much seen as a landmark point for Strictly.
"It couldn’t have come at a worse time for them, because Strictly bosses feel they need to make some major changes, even if that means big names leaving."
Reports of the potential axing haven’t gone down well with fans, as one questioned the decision on their X account: "This is so tone-deaf! The pros are what the people love.
"People follow and support the pros as much, if not more, than the celebs. Wake up and axe a couple of the judges!"
Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez and Nadiya Bychkova have also been named
BBC
"NOOOOOO!!!!!!! Leave it alone! We love thefavourite pros," another addede before a third commented: "If they do this then I predict the show won’t last for much longer.
"Dropping Gorka would be a huge mistake, he’s the reason many of us watch!"
A fourth wrote: "Strictly is nothing without the pros. they have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft and have sacrificed everything to get to where they are.
"Yet are the most underappreciated people there. They don’t even get their names in the credits."
Another declared: "It doesn't need a new lease of life, people have their favourite pros. They actually need to go back to basics and stop with the themed weeks, over/ under marking and dreadful song choices for the dances." (sic)
BBC declined to comment on the speculation when approached by GB News for a comment. There is no official word if any of the professionals are being axed from the show, with the current five names just being rumours.
The claims of their axing come as Johannes Radebe was also rumoured to be leaving the show – however, shut down such reports and firmly revealed he was staying.
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Johannes recently set the record straight on whether he was leaving Strictly
BBC
One source told the Mail Online that the potential axe has left other stars "furious", and claimed it was "another Arlene Phillips" moment.
Phillips was replaced as a judge on the show at the age of 65 in 2008 by Alesha Dixon – who was 30 at the time - leading to claims of sexism and ageism.
An insider told the outlet: "It is absolutely outrageous Karen would be booted off the show. She is absolutely committed, she is so fit, an amazing dancer and she has never caused Strictly any problems at all.
"While the show has been under so much scrutiny in the last nine months, none of it has involved her. She is a total pro, it all smacks of Arlene Phillips, get rid of the older woman and replace her with a younger one.
"She is such a safe pair of hands, she can be coupled with anyone and gives it her best. It would be devastating to for the BBC to get rid of the older women, you expect more from them."
