Michelle Tsiakkas is a Cypriot Latin champion and professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, returning to the BBC ballroom for the 2025 series with the pro cast confirmed days before launch. Beyond the show, 2025 headlines included personal safety advocacy following a phone theft incident, milestone birthdays, and tour and workshop appearances, drawing sustained interest from fans across Google and YouTube.
Who is Michelle Tsiakkas?
Michelle Tsiakkas is a professional Latin and ballroom dancer who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, having previously toured with Burn The Floor and represented England internationally after moving from Cyprus. She began dancing at age six and dominated Cyprus’s national Latin championships for a decade (2001–2011) before relocating to London for studies and elite-level competition. Her Strictly profile highlights a long-time dream fulfilled by joining the pro line-up, where she contributes to group routines and pairs with celebrity partners when selected.
2025: latest Strictly status
The BBC confirmed the 2025 Strictly pro line-up in September, with Michelle listed among the returning professionals, alongside the addition of two newcomers to the troupe for the new season. Press and listings guides in mid-September reiterated her inclusion for Series 23, which returns this weekend, positioning her for both ensemble numbers and potential celebrity pairing announcements around launch. The BBC’s season explainer also teases the usual group performances, live music acts, and the annual Blackpool Tower Ballroom special—showcase moments where Michelle features even outside of main pairings.
Personal safety incident in 2025
In July 2025, Michelle described being targeted by an e-bike phone thief in central London on her way to a dentist appointment, calling the experience “traumatising” and urging vigilance even during short, routine stops. She recounted the immediate shock and physical response, later sharing advice to others to be especially careful due to how quickly such thefts can occur, remarks made during a morning TV interview that drew wider attention to London’s surge in phone thefts. The report cited data showing mobile phone thefts nearly doubling across the UK over five years, with London accounting for a large share, contextualizing her warning to fans and viewers.
Age, birthday, and background
Michelle was born on 29 August and celebrated turning 30 in 2025, marking the milestone with a public post reflecting on the highs and lows of recent years. Media profiles document her birth year as 1995 and her early life in Cyprus, where she accumulated national titles before moving to the UK to further her education and dance career. She maintains an active public presence that blends Strictly updates, rehearsal insights, and lifestyle moments that resonate with fans of the show and dance culture.
Strictly career highlights so far
Michelle joined Strictly’s professional cast in 2022, participating in group numbers and pro tours while awaiting and later receiving her first celebrity pairing. In the 2024 series she partnered EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, reaching Week 10 before elimination following a dance-off against Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe. In parallel, she has appeared at dance weekends and live events, including 2025 teaching engagements announced by Donaheys, reflecting her prominence in UK ballroom and Latin circuits.
Burn The Floor and competition pedigree
Before Strictly, Michelle was part of the global Burn The Floor tour, a renowned production that has developed several Strictly pros’ stagecraft and versatility across Latin and ballroom styles. Competitive highlights include representing England at major international championships after relocating to London, further sharpening her technique and exposure to global judges and audiences. The combination of Cyprus national dominance and UK-led international representation underpins her reputation for precision, musicality, and performance charisma in Latin disciplines.
Relationship and personal life
Michelle is in a relationship with Simone Arena, a professional dancer who has appeared on Dancing with the Stars editions in Belgium, Italy, and Ireland, with several outlets noting their shared Burn The Floor background. Public profiles and interviews often spotlight this cross-border dance partnership as part of the contemporary ballroom scene’s international fabric. Fans frequently search for her Instagram handle, which she uses to share rehearsals, backstage content, and event appearances.
Style, strengths, and signature routines
With a foundation as an undefeated national Latin champion, Michelle’s strengths include fast, precise footwork, sharp leg action, and rhythmic interpretation central to Latin styles such as Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Burn The Floor stagecraft adds theatricality and partnering finesse, often visible in group numbers that demand quick switches between Latin and ballroom vocabularies. On Strictly, pros leverage these strengths in pro dances and choreography support for celebrities, tailoring content to partner abilities while showcasing Latin flair.
Blackpool and landmark Strictly weeks
Blackpool’s return each year is a hallmark of Strictly, and pros like Michelle prepare bespoke choreography for the Tower Ballroom that leverages the larger floor, elevated staging, and live band dynamics. Theme weeks, musicals specials, and guest artist collaborations offer varied performance contexts where Michelle’s stage experience contributes to group cohesion and visual impact. These episodes typically trend across social platforms, amplifying pro profiles through viral clips and behind-the-scenes content.
Media coverage and interviews
Lifestyle and entertainment outlets profile Michelle’s journey from Cyprus prodigy to UK-based pro, often highlighting her rapid ascent, cultural background, and ambitions within the Strictly franchise. Official BBC profiles provide authoritative career summaries and quotes, including her statements about joining Strictly and fulfilling a childhood dream. Periodic features spotlight personal milestones, safety messages, and charity or community engagements, shaping a well-rounded public image.
Social presence and fan engagement
Michelle’s Instagram presence draws fans to training reels, Strictly dress runs, and candid team moments, reinforcing her connection with the audience between live broadcasts. YouTube clips and TV spots, such as Morning Live or launch VT packages, provide accessible touchpoints for international fans who follow Strictly highlights online. Fan interest spikes around partner reveals, Blackpool week, and semi-final choreography—events that reliably dominate searches and social chatter each season.
Training ethos and choreography
Trained through competitive Latin circuits and touring productions, Michelle emphasizes technical discipline and expressive performance, a combination that helps celebrities build confidence onscreen. Her choreography integrates classic Latin technique with show choreography staples formations, canon sequences, and musical stabs that land with the live band and camera cuts. In group routines, her transitions and partnering support reflect the ensemble’s collaborative design led by the Strictly choreographic team.
Beyond Strictly: workshops and live events
Dance weekends and masterclasses remain a core avenue for Strictly pros to meet fans, teach core technique, and perform outside the TV format; Michelle’s 2025 appearances with Donaheys exemplify this ongoing outreach. Burn The Floor alumni often rotate through theatre tours and international gigs, keeping technique sharp and performance diaries full between Strictly seasons. These events also serve as feeder experiences for emerging dancers inspired by the show, continuing the ecosystem that originally shaped Michelle’s own career.
Representation and cultural roots
Michelle’s prominence as a Cypriot dancer on UK primetime underscores Strictly’s global professional line-up, which includes pros from across Europe and beyond. Her competitive history in Cyprus and subsequent representation of England reflect ballroom’s transnational training pathways and federations. Fans frequently search for her heritage and early career path, topics that recur in profiles and interviews each pre-season.
Looking ahead
As Strictly returns, Michelle’s role in the pro ensemble and potential pairing provides fresh opportunities to showcase her Latin expertise and stage experience honed through competition and touring. With renewed focus on group choreography, Blackpool grandeur, and high-profile music acts, 2025 is set to keep her firmly in the public eye as one of the show’s dynamic, internationally rooted professionals. Fans can expect a steady cadence of behind-the-scenes glimpses and performance highlights across BBC platforms and her social channels throughout the season.
FAQs
What is Michelle Tsiakkas famous for?
Michelle is most famous for her role as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, one of the UK’s most-watched TV shows. She joined the show’s lineup in 2022 and has been part of live tours, group dances, and pro routines.
Who is Michelle Tsiakkas’ partner on Strictly?
Michelle joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 but did not have a celebrity partner in her first season. She has mainly performed in group routines and tours. Fans are hopeful she will be paired with a celebrity contestant in upcoming seasons.
What is Michelle Tsiakkas’ net worth?
While Michelle’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, her income comes from professional dancing, Strictly Come Dancing, live tours, dance shows, and choreography work. Estimates place her net worth between £200,000 – £500,000 as of 2025.
What is next for Michelle Tsiakkas?
Michelle continues to be part of Strictly Come Dancing and live tours. Fans are eager to see if she will be paired with a celebrity contestant in future seasons, as she has already built a strong following through her performances and choreography.
Has Michelle Tsiakkas been on Strictly tours?
Yes, Michelle has been part of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, where she performed across the UK with fellow pros and celebrities. Her performances on the tour have received praise for her energy and stage presence.
In Summary
Michelle Tsiakkas has quickly become a familiar face in the world of dance and television, thanks to her talent, passion, and vibrant performances on Strictly Come Dancing. From representing Cyprus in international dance competitions to joining one of the UK’s biggest entertainment shows, her journey reflects hard work and dedication. While she continues to shine in group routines and live tours, fans eagerly await the moment she is paired with a celebrity contestant. With her growing popularity, strong social media presence, and undeniable skill, Michelle is set to become one of the standout professionals on Strictly in the years to come.
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