STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have been left horrified by the BBC’s “cold and flat” tribute to Michelle Tsiakkas after she confirmed her show exit.
The star, 30, is one of the victims of the BBC One show’s pro dancer bloodbath, and today released an emotional statement about being fired.
Michelle joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, but has been left heartbroken after she was brutally fired alongside Karen Hauer, 43, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, both 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35.
After the star shared her heartbroken post about leaving Strictly, the BBC then penned their own tribute to her – like they have done for the other axed dancers.
However, fans think Michelle’s post was “cold” compared to their ones.
The statement read: “Thank you to Michelle Tsiakkas for everything she has brought to Strictly Come Dancing over the past four series.
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“During her time on the show, Michelle has delivered some excellent performances, whether in the series’ group routines, alongside guest music artists, or with celebrity partners across the main series and the Christmas special whom she has always taught with professionalism, respect and kindness.
“Her talent, dedication and energy have been much appreciated, and everyone wishes her all the very best for what comes next.”
But taking to Reddit to discuss this, fans slammed the Beeb’s tribute.
“‘Some’ excellent performances. Hmmmm,” one fan wrote.
Another added: “It’s definitely much flatter than Karen and Nadiya’s. It’s quite… cold,”
Agreeing, another fan added: “Everyone else got a ‘heartfelt/huge thank you’. She got a ‘thx bye’.”
The BBC’s statement came after Michelle penned her own emotional post to officially reveal she would no longer be on Strictly.
“Hi everyone, I wanted to share an update with you. I won’t be returning to Strictly this year,” she told fans.
“This has been an emotional time for me because Strictly has been a big part of my life, not just over the past 4 years but for as long as I can remember. It’s a show that I’ll always hold close to my heart.
“I want to thank the team for being supportive during this period, offering help and giving me the time and space to talk things through and process the news.”
Continuing, the heartbroken dancer wrote: “Of course, as professionals on the show we can never assume our places are guaranteed, but I hoped to have more time.
“I wish I could have shown you more of what I can do, but I’m grateful for every experience and every chance I had to share my passion and connect with the audience.
“l’ve also had to make the very hard decision to pull out from the Pro Tour in May. I was really looking forward to performing for you all and sharing the stage with my friends, but I know that right now I wouldn’t have been able to give you my very best, and you deserve the best.
“After reflection, I believe this was the best decision for me, and your understanding and support have meant a lot..”
It comes after Michelle told The Sun that she was given the boot in a brutal Zoom call.
The devastated star said: “It felt like my world was falling apart, my dream was shattered. I gave my everything to the show for the four years — it was my whole life.”
Michelle revealed how she was given the boot in a 30-minute online Zoom meeting with executive producer Sarah James just weeks ago to discuss her contract.
The star said: “I didn’t see it coming. I thought I had more time. When she told me I wasn’t coming back, there was a moment of shock. I felt my story was unfinished.
“It felt out of the blue. It was very tough. I was heartbroken. I went through so many emotions. I gave my life to Strictly.
“It’s like grief. There are many stages to it, many emotions — sadness, confusion and frustration.
“Everything I have known for the past four years has gone. Your brain goes through change and panic. It was so sudden, I had a feeling of hopelessness.”
You can read Michelle’s full exclusive interview with The Sun On Sunday right here.
