DANCING QUEEN
Who is Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas?
Plus when she first joined the popular dance show
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans are happy to know the show is back for another series IN 2024.
Professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas will be returning - and hoping to nab a celebrity from the line-up. Here's everything we know about her.
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Who is Michelle Tsiakkas and what competitions has she won?
Born on August 29, 1995, in Cyprus, Michelle Tsiakkas began dancing when she was just six.
The Strictly star specialises in Latin dance.
Michelle was the undefeated Cyprus dance champion from 2001-2011, before moving to London to study.
After moving to the UK, Michelle represented England at international championships and then joined the world touring dance show Burn The Floor.
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When did she join Strictly Come Dancing?
Michelle was one of the new professional dancers for Strictly's 2022 series.
It was revealed she had joined the pro line-up, along with Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley, and Italia Latin American Champion Vito Coppola.
Announcing the news on Twitter, the BBC said: "Welcome Carlos, Lauren, Michelle and Vito who join the show and become part of the biggest pro line-up in #Strictly history!"
Michelle said: "Being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has been my dream ever since I was a little girl.
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"I cannot believe my dream has come true.
"I’m so grateful to be joining this incredible family and I can’t wait to step on that magical dance floor and give it my all!"
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Michelle was not paired with a celebrity on her debut season, nor 2023.
Is Michelle married and does she have children?
Michelle isn't married and doesn't have kids, but she is in a relationship with boyfriend Simone Arena.
He is also a professional dancer, and choreographer, and appeared alongside Michelle in Burn The Floor.
In early 2022, Simone won the Belgian version of Dancing With The Stars along with gymnast Nina Derwael.
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Can I follow Michelle on Instagram?
Michelle is on Instagram, and has 28,000 followers as of September 2024.
She uses the platform to show off her dance moves, and also post loved-up pictures with boyfriend Simone.
You can follow Michelle on Instagram @michelle_tsiak.
Speaking about signing up to Strictly, on her birthday Michelle told her followers: "These past few weeks have been so crazy busy but I’ve never felt as happy and fulfilled doing what I love!
"Here’s to 27 and the best birthday gift I could ever ask for - to be given the chance to share my passion for dancing with the entire nation."
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She added: "Thank you for all your lovely wishes.
"Now let’s start the countdown to the launch show of the best show on telly! Who else is feeling excited?! @bbcstrictly."
Who's confirmed for Strictly 2024?
WITH Strictly's 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series:
- EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
- Athlete Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic champion.
- X Factor winner and former Corrie star Shayne Ward.
- Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
- Gladiators star Montell Douglas AKA Fire.
- Football pundit Paul Merson.
- DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.
- Olympic hero Sam Quek.
- Towie legend Pete Wicks.
- Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
- Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.
- 80s legend and singer Toyah Willcox.
- Opera singer Wynne Evans.
- JLS singer JB Gill.
- Blind comedian Chris McCausland.
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