One Strictly star has called for the BBC fan favourite to be “rested” after their latest controversial move.

Strictly Come Dancing made major changes to the upcoming series (Image: BBC)

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff has called for the star-studded contest to be axed after the hit BBC series sparked fury over controversial changes to its line-up of professionals. Following the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, Strictly bosses have now confirmed a major shake-up and fired five pros from the show. Among those not returning to screens later this year are Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Márquez.

Kristina, who was a professional on Strictly from 2008 until her 2015 exit, has now shared that the series needs to take a break if bosses are planning a revamp. The 48-year-old suggested that the show should “go back to basics”. The star then added: “If I were a producer, I would give it a rest for a year, regroup and think about what we can do differently.”

Kristina Rihanoff called for Strictly to be axed (Image: BBC)

“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.

Kristina told The Independent: “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].”

Speaking on her own experience, the dancer added that she left Strictly because she “didn’t want to be there anymore,” noting that all professional dancers are only given year-long contracts and the “jeopardy” of their future on the show can take a mental toll.

Karen Hauer is among the professional who have been axed (Image: BBC)

This comes after it was revealed that Karen, who joined Strictly in 2012 and is one of the longest-serving pros, was informed of the decision not to renew her contract just days ago.

A source told the MailOnline: “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.”

The insider then speculated: “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.”