BBC confirms which Strictly Come Dancing pros will return

The BBC has confirmed that five members of Strictly Come Dancing's professional line-up have left the show, as preparations begin for this year's series.

Karen Hauer, the show's longest-serving female pro, has departed after 14 years. She said in March that she had "decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects".

Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas are also leaving, with the BBC yet to announce their replacements.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will all return, but there's still no news about who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts.

In an update on Wednesday, the BBC said 15 of the 20 professionals from last year would return for the next series.

"This year a dynamic and world class roster of returning Professional Dancers will be joined by fresh top talent from the international dance world, bringing an exciting mix of experience and showmanship to the Strictly ballroom," a statement said.

Hauer announced her exit in an Instagram video in March, telling her followers: "Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being.

"I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners who have become close friends and people I admire so much."

Hauer said she, Tess and Claudia could "finally be ladies who lunch in the autumn" - although Hauer has since been cast as a dance teacher in comedy play Stepping Out from August.

"I'll even miss standing in front of the judges," she said. "Can you believe that? Smiling politely while sometimes secretly disagreeing."

Marquez is leaving after a decade, although he didn't have a celebrity partner last year because of "scheduling conflicts" after he became a judge on the Spanish version of the show.

His celebrity partners have included presenter Gemma Atkinson - who also became his life partner, and they now have two children together.

Nadiya joined the show in 2017, and said in March that she's "excited to have time to focus on new projects, and to spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter", adding: "Life feels full of possibilities."

Luba arrived on the show in 2018, and said it was now "time for me to follow my dreams beyond the show, and I'm excited for what the future holds".

Michelle joined in 2022 but didn't have a celebrity partner last year.

She wrote on Instagram that she wished her "Strictly family" all the best, but said: "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."