BBC Strictly pro Michelle Tsiakkas’ life off screen with boyfriend Simone Arena

Strictly Come Dancing has returned much to the delight of fans as we watch this year's celebrities take to the ballroom in the hope of lifting the Gliterallball trophy. Helping them on their way are the talented professional dancers, including Michelle Tsiakkas in her second time on the show.

The Latin dance champion first joined the hit BBC show in 2022 where she noticeably performed a mesmerising dance to George Ezra's song Dance Over Me with pro Kai Widdrington. This year Michelle is without a celebrity partner, but will instead be part of the medley of stunning group dances throughout the series.

As we welcome back the talented dancer, we took a closer look at her life off screen including her Dancing with the Stars champion boyfriend.

Who is Michelle Tsiakkas?

The 28 year old who hails originally from Cyprus first started dancing when she was just six and specialises in Latin dance. Between 2001 to 2011, Michelle was the undefeated dance champion in Cyprus before moving to London to study.

After making the move, Michelle went on to represent England at international championships and joined the world touring dance show Burn The Floor.

Strictly Come Dancing debut

Michelle made her debut on Strictly last year as one of the four new professional dancers. She joined the line-up alongside Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu, former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley, and Italia Latin American Champion Vito Coppola.

Sharing the news of the newcomers, the BBC said at the time: "Welcome Carlos, Lauren, Michelle and Vito who join the show and become part of the biggest pro line-up in #Strictly history!"

Michelle told Parikiaki newspaper: "Being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing has been my dream ever since I was a little girl. 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!"

Dancer boyfriend

The dancing star is currently in a relationship with her boyfriend Simone Arena. He is also a professional dancer and choreographer, having appeared alongside Michelle in Burn The Floor.

In 2022, Simone won the Belgian version of Dancing With The Stars with gymnast Nina Derwael. In August this year, Michelle marked her beau's birthday with a series of snaps and videos on Instagram.

She wrote the heartfelt caption: "To many more years of love, dance and happiness! Missing our moments together. See you real soon xx."

Strictly pals

Over on Instagram, Michelle is often sharing a series of sensational snaps of her incredible dance moves and toned physique to sun-soaked snaps during lavish getaways. She's also posted a string of photos with her Strictly pals along with love-up moments with her beau.

Boasting an impressive 16.9K followers as of September 2023, the dancer has almost doubled her fan base since last year when she had just 9,000. No doubt her following will be boosted again during her appearance in this year's series.

Michelle recently celebrated her birthday while surrounded by her Strictly pals and took to Instagram to mark the occasion while posing with a bunch of roses. She wrote: "Overwhelmed with all your kind words and good wishes on my birthday. I love and appreciate you all.

"I got to spend it doing what I love most with the best team ever @bbcstrictly. I can’t wait for you all to see the magic we’ve created for you.

"Here’s to more love, dance and cupcakes!!"

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