STRICTLY star Michelle Tsiakkas has broken her silence after she failed to get a celebrity partner this series.
The professional dancer, who was partnered with EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick last series, said she was “gutted” to not receive a partner.
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Michelle said she felt like last year was the first time fans got to really know her – so, was therefore disappointed to be left out.
The ballroom star shared a video on her social media and 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.”
Despite the snub, Michelle said she’s taking the positives from this and will still be sharing a lot of her Strictly journey with her fans.
She continued: “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.”
The dancer, who first appeared on the BBC television dance show in 2022, sent her best wishes to the cast, which includes Vicky Pattison, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and ex-Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope.
Michelle added: “And lastly, but most importantly, I want to wish the gorgeous cast of this year, the best of luck and to enjoy it.
“It’s truly such a special experience that feels like it goes by so quickly when you’re in it, so just have fun, make amazing memories and enjoy every single moment.
“It’s a great bunch and you’re all in for another incredible series this year.
“So see you live on BBC1 this Saturday night.”
Michelle’s Strictly co-stars were quick to share support.
Vito Coppola wrote: “Yes Mish. You are talented in so many different ways. Just keep being yourself.”
Karen Hauer posted: “You are the loveliest,” while Katya Jones shared two red love heart emojis.
Nancy Xu, who was also snubbed and left without a celebrity partner, also shared a message of support.
She wrote: “My Snow. We are here,” with a string of kiss emojis.
Last night Nancy shared her “disappointment” after she was also not given a celebrity partner this series.
She posted an Instagram clip which showed various shots of the star looking glum, as other pros could be heard asking if she was okay.
Nancy would then enthusiastically nod and smile, confirming she is okay, before going back to looking glum.
This was ultimately a skit – with the dancer personally addressing her followers near the end of the clip.
Nancy shared: “How are you all, everyone? It’s Nancy here.
“Thank you so much for all of your kind, love and supportive messages that I’ve been receiving the past few days.
“I am okay. As you all know now, I don’t have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
“In the very, very beginning, when I just received the messages, it did upset me and I did feel disappointed.”
She continued: “Coming from China, arriving in this country, all I wanted is to achieve my dream.
“Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills, show my talent.
“Of course, I [felt left out] this year, but I’m good. Because I’m still part of the Strictly family.
“This year, you will possibly hear my voice more than ever because I will give all my energy to supporting my Strictly family. I will be there cheering for them.
“Also, you will see me on It Takes Two, Morning Live – those are good things.
“I just wanted to send you all this video because all of your kindness and messages has meant the world to me.
“I just want you all to know and send all my love to you.”
Nancy first joined Strictly in 2019.
She was given a partner for the first time in the 19th series when she was paired up with CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson.
The pair left in the semi-final, coming fourth in the competition.
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