Kristina Rihanoff: Strictly Needs a Break After Axes

Former Come Dancing star has revealed the show needs to be 'rested,' after five pros were sensationally axed from the lineup in a mass 'bloodbath.'

Following the departure of hosts and , the show has been hit by a huge shake-up, with , , Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Márquez all dropped from the lineup.

Kristina, who was a professional on Strictly from 2008 to 2015, has now shared that the series needs to take a break if bosses are planning a revamp.

The star said the series should go 'back to basics' with a focus on the 'ballroom and Latin dancing, without the razzmatazz of 101 props and 3D projections.'

Earlier this week, The Daily Mail exclusively reported Karen, who joined Strictly in 2012 and is one of the longest-serving pros, was informed of the decision to not renew her contract days ago. 

While some names have been dropped from the show, it was also revealed that will be staying in the lineup, and has been handed a new contract by bosses.  

Kristina told The Independent: 'If I were a producer, I would give it a rest for a year, regroup and think about what we can do differently.

'There's something to say about going back to basics and back to its roots – the roots of the show were pure ballroom and Latin dancing without the razzmatazz of 101 props and 3D projections.

'When I came onto the show, it was about ballroom and Latin dancing. It was minimum props, all the group dances were live. 

'The professionals were choreographing it and the celebrities had to learn proper ballroom and Latin dancing. It would not do any harm to go back to the good old-fashioned [ways].'

Kristina added that she left Strictly back in 2015 as she 'didn't want to be there anymore,' sharing that all of the professional dancers are only given year-long contracts, and the 'jeopardy' of their future on the show can take a mental toll.

It comes after Karen, 43, Nadiya, 36, Michelle, 30, Luba, 36, and Gorka, 35, were also all of the Strictly pros are already aware of their fate. 

One insider told the Daily Mail: 'Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year.

'It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen  

A second source added: 'It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show.

'Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future. She works as a choreographer and knows she can focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry.

'It's also looking increasingly likely that Aljaž Škorjanec will not return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have been given the green light to stay.'  

Karen's last celebrity partner on the series was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, while the year before she danced with former footballer Paul Merson and, in 2023, comedian Eddie Kadi.

She showcased her versatility as a choreographer by performing with comic Jayde Adams in 2022, .

Other celebrity partners Karen has performed with included TOWIE's Mark Wright, one of the first reality stars signed to the show.

Despite her long-standing commitment, Karen has never won the Strictly glitterball trophy, though she did reach the final with Mark in 2014, and Jamie Laing in 2020.

Karen was previously married to former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, but their marriage ended after three years. Despite the split, the pair continued to work together on the show.

The Daily Mail has contacted Karen's spokesperson for comment.

Sources suggest bosses are aiming for an entirely fresh start following years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers. 

Elsewhere, Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner on the show, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34.

It's believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers.