Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has opened up about how her "world fell apart" when she was brutally sacked from the hit BBC contest during a "30-minute video call." The beloved professional dancer, who joined the series in 2022, confirmed this week she had been axed from the show after a string of pros were dropped. The 30-year-old is now alongside Karen Hauer, 43, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35, who have also been cut.

In her first interview since her sacking, Michelle recalled the moment she "burst into tears" after hearing the heartbreaking news. The dancer 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." She added: "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."

Michelle admitted that she wasn't given a reason, which made it "hard to digest," that she wouldn't be returning to screens later this year.

In her interview with The Sun, she added: "I do wonder if they want to change so much because of the scandals in the past. I don’t think I was punished for Jamie’s [Borthwick] wrongdoing because that wouldn’t be right. The pros have no power over the celebs."

The actor was filmed using the term "m********s" during his time on the competition, which was then publicly shared. At the time, Jamie issued an apology, sharing that he did not fully understand the derogatory nature of the term he used, but now that he is aware, he is "deeply embarrassed".

After learning her contract on Strictly would not be renewed, Michelle quit the professionals live tour.

Michelle initially spoke about her axe from the first time when she was filmed leaving a class she'd taught at Oti Mabuse's dance studio on Monday.

As she was greeted by photographers outside the London venue, she was embraced by one person who said: "Gutted for you, gutted. It's shocking, heartbreaking."

To which, the star replied: "It is what it is," before adding: "Thanks for the support."