Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas has issued a public warning after a recent traumatic experience in central London.
The 29-year-old dancer shared her ordeal on social media, urging fans to remain vigilant, as she described feeling ‘scared and helpless’ following the incident.
‘Now this was a couple of days ago and I’ve just about mentally recovered from that. It was quite traumatising on the day,’ she said on Instagram.
“It wasted my whole day and made me feel awful, scared, helpless and I don’t want the same to happen to you.
‘My phone got stolen. My phone got stolen. I mean I see it happening all the time but it’s just one of those things that you just never think it’s gonna happen to you. and then it does.’
Get personalised updates on Strictly
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
In a video, Michelle – who joined Strictly in 2022 and received her first celeb partner, Jamie Borthwick, last year – said the alleged incident unfolded in ‘quiet’ Covent Garden as she was on her way to the dentist.
In her post, Michelle emphasised the increasing prevalence of phone thefts in the city and urged others to be cautious, especially when walking alone in quiet areas.
Michelle was walking alone when a masked rider on an electric bike allegedly sped past her, swooped in, snatched her phone and then sped off before she could even register what had happened.
In the moment Michelle panicked and fell to the ground – injuring her knee.
The professional dancer described it as a ‘heart sinking’ feeling when she realised what had happened in the whirlwind.
Thankfully, two passersby rushed over to help her up and offer reassurance, while Michelle said their kindness meant the world in that moment.
She took to Instagram to alert fans, and said: ‘Be very careful. Phone theft is happening more and crime in the city is getting worse.’
Fans and friends were quick to comment on the post, with Strictly choregorapher, @tommythefranzen, commenting: ‘Oh no I am so sorry this happened to you, hope you are okay.’
@timregandance said: ‘It seems to be a common occurrence in London these days sadly, sending love and hope you are okay.’
Michelle’s boyfriend, Italian dancer Simone Arena, is set to follow in her footsteps by joining Strictly this autumn.
He is reported to be among the new line of pros, three years after his partner first joined the cast.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
