Strictly's Michelle Tsiakkas speaks out after being left without a celebrity partner

Strictly Come Dancing's Michelle Tsiakkas says she is "gutted" not receive a partner on this year's series.

The 30-year-old dancer worked with EastEnders' Jamie Borthwick last year and said she felt it was the first time fans got to really know her. However, she has failed to get a celebrity partner this time and is disappointed.

Speaking in a video she posted to her Instagram account, Michelle said: "Hi everyone, I hope you're all well. I just wanted to make this post to acknowledge and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the lovely messages I've received since you've all seen that I don't have a partner on Strictly this year. To those of you asking how I am. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't gutted, but I think that's a normal feeling to have."

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Strictly Come Dancing, a Saturday night staple since 2004, returned last weekend and saw the likes of Thomas Skinner, Alex Kingston and George Clarke jive with the professionals. Several pros, though, haven't been matched with a celebrity. Others include Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Neil Jones. Weeks prior, Gorka Márquez had shared that he wouldn't have a partner.

But Michelle, a Latin dance champion, has been able to reflect on the decision. She added: "Last year was my first year with a partner and it made me realise just how much I enjoy the process.

"I think it's the most beautiful and rewarding part of the show. And I also feel like last year was the first time you all started to get to know me better as well.

"There is still a whole lot more of me yet to discover, so I will do my best this year to post more on here to make up for not seeing me as much on your screens.

"I'll be sharing more about my life, my hobbies, my interests, my experiences, my opinions - just anything that you want to know about me, I want to help you to get to know me better and you will still be seeing me this year in music acts and group numbers and It Takes Two, so I'm not completely disappearing."

Michelle, born in Cyprus, first appeared on the BBC television dance show in 2022. At the time, she called it "her dream ever since I was a little girl".

And her co-stars have offered her encouragement despite the snub, with supportive messages flooding in on Instagram. Vito Coppola wrote: "Yes Mish. You are talented in so many different ways. Just keep being yourself."