Strictly Come Dancing fans threaten boycott after five dancers 'set to be axed'

Strictly Come Dancing fans have threatened to boycott the show after it was reported that five of the show's long-standing professional dancers might be axed. Reports suggested today that Nadiya Bychkova, 35, Neil Jones, 42, Karen Hauer, 42, Gorka Marquez, 34, and Katya Jones, 35, could all face the chop - igniting an ageism dispute.

The five dancers, who are among viewer's favourites, have competed for years on the hit BBC show. Fans were incensed with the shocking claims and said that the series 'wouldn't last much longer'.

Expressing their views on X, one fan wrote: "I will stop watching if Gorka and Katya are axed!" A second commented: "This is so tone deaf! The pros are what the people love. People follow and support the pros as much, if not more, than the celebs. Wake up and axe a couple of the judges!"

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A third said: "We need better and more traditional song choices and traditional routines." A shocked fan wrote: "UMMM WHAT."

"If they do this then I predict the show won't last for much longer. dropping Gorka would be a huge mistake, he's the reason many of us watch!" And another added: "'Not Katya and Gorka, they are incredible dancers are also good choreographers that the show can't lose."

And another fan wrote: "Some of the favourites. Yes, the show does change - but axing the viewers favourites in one go is shocking. I know TV changes every so often, but to get rid of Neil, Katya, Karen, Gorka etc. I think the viewers may change channels."

However, some agreed it was time for change, commenting: "It is somewhat needed, especially on the female side. Not sure I'd dump Gorka and Katya as they are still delivering in one way or another but there are others whose absence would be less missed."

A second said: "Gorka!? No. Neil yes, but Gorka is a big mistake." Another wrote: "I agree with Neil going but the rest absolutely not! I think Karen should be axed but not Katya her choreography is too good!"

According to insiders, the Strictly dancers have been labelled as the 'fading stars' of the lineup, with show executives actively seeking 'younger, up-and-coming counterparts,' as reported by The Sun.

At present, Katya, 35, is the only professional still in this year's BBC competition, dancing with Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans.