Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Alex Kingston has shared her honest reaction to the BBC’s major overhaul of the show’s professional dancer line-up, admitting she believes it is “a shame” that so many long-serving dancers have left the programme.

Her comments come as the BBC prepares to launch a new era of Strictly, following one of the biggest behind-the-scenes shake-ups in the show’s history.

Ahead of the 2026 series, five established professional dancers—Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas—have all exited the ballroom competition.

While some announced they were moving on to pursue new opportunities, reports have suggested others were affected by wider changes introduced following a turbulent period for the programme.

The departures have prompted mixed reactions among viewers, with many expressing sadness at seeing familiar faces leave after years on the show.

Speaking at the National Film Awards UK, Kingston admitted she understands why many fans have found the changes difficult to accept.

“I do think it’s a shame,” she said.

The actress explained that audiences form strong emotional connections not only with the celebrity contestants but also with the professional dancers who return year after year.

“I think something that maybe is not fully recognised is how the public is not just interested in the contestants,” she said.

“The public loves the dancers. Everybody has their favourite dancer. I have my favourite dancer.”

According to Kingston, those long-standing relationships are an important part of what has made Strictly Come Dancing one of Britain’s most successful entertainment programmes.

“So there’s a real connection,” she continued.

“And I think that with all of the changes… it’s a lot.”

Kingston knows exactly what it’s like to experience the competition from inside the ballroom.

She became one of the standout contestants during the 2025 series after being paired with fan favourite Johannes Radebe.

The pair quickly became popular with viewers, earning the affectionate nickname “Team JoKing” as they progressed through the competition.

Their partnership produced several memorable routines, including a rumba to Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car that earned Kingston her first perfect score of 10 from head judge Shirley Ballas.

Although the actress ultimately fell short of lifting the Glitterball Trophy, her chemistry with Radebe made them one of the season’s most talked-about couples.

When asked if she had a favourite professional dancer, Kingston did not hesitate.

“That’s JoJo,” she said with a smile.

“Hands down, 100 percent JoJo out of all of the dancers.”

She also revealed that Radebe affectionately calls her “Mum,” highlighting the close friendship the pair have maintained since appearing together on the show.

Fortunately for fans, Johannes Radebe will be returning for the 2026 series and remains one of the BBC programme’s most recognisable professional dancers.

He will be joined by returning favourites including Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu and reigning champion Carlos Gu.

The BBC has described the new professional line-up as a “dynamic and world-class roster,” promising viewers an exciting combination of experienced dancers and fresh international talent.

Nevertheless, the broadcaster’s decision to refresh the cast has continued to divide opinion.

Some fans believe introducing new professionals is necessary to keep the programme evolving after more than two decades on air.

Others argue that the departure of several experienced dancers risks losing part of the show’s identity.

Social media has been filled with emotional tributes to departing professionals, many of whom spent years building loyal fanbases through memorable performances and long-running celebrity partnerships.

One viewer wrote: “Strictly won’t feel the same without some of these dancers.”

Another commented: “The professionals are just as important as the celebrities. They are the heart of the show.”

Others, however, welcomed the changes.

“Every programme needs fresh energy,” one fan argued.

“New dancers deserve their opportunity too.”

The shake-up comes during a period of significant change for the programme, with the BBC introducing several adjustments following backstage controversies that attracted widespread media attention over the past two years.

While the broadcaster has insisted the refreshed line-up represents an exciting new chapter for Strictly Come Dancing, reactions from former contestants like Alex Kingston demonstrate just how emotionally attached many people have become to the show’s professional cast.

For Kingston, the issue goes beyond simply replacing familiar faces.

Her comments reflect a wider belief shared by many viewers—that the professional dancers are not merely supporting performers, but central personalities whose stories, friendships and partnerships have become an essential part of what keeps audiences returning each year.

Whether the BBC’s gamble ultimately pays off will become clear when Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year.

Until then, the departures continue to spark debate, with fans wondering whether the programme’s biggest transformation in years will breathe new life into the ballroom—or leave viewers missing the professionals who helped make the show such a beloved television institution.