In an exclusive red-carpet chat with Daily Mail at the glitzy TV Choice Awards in London on Monday, February 2, 2026, the 31-year-old dancer confessed her place on the show is hanging in the balance. ‘I mean, I hope so, because I still don’t know if I’m back,’ Jowita revealed candidly to our reporter Laura Fox. ‘So hopefully I’m back with Strictly, but the tour is coming up, I’m planning a lot of travelling this year… So I think 2026 is the year of travelling for me.’

It’s the kind of honest, heart-on-sleeve admission that has fans clutching their pearls and flooding social media with pleas for her to stay. After all, Jowita isn’t just any pro — she’s a Strictly winner, having stormed to victory in her very first series back in 2021 with celebrity partner Bill Bailey, the quirky comedian whose unlikely chemistry with the elegant dancer captured the nation’s heart and delivered one of the show’s most memorable triumphs.

That glittering debut set the tone for a whirlwind five years on the show. From jaw-dropping routines to emotional highs and lows, Jowita has become a fan favourite for her precision, passion, and ability to transform even the most unlikely partners into ballroom stars. She’s danced with everyone from TV presenters to sports icons, earning praise for her teaching style that’s tough but nurturing, always pushing for perfection while keeping the fun alive.

But now, as the dust settles on the 2025 series — which saw its own share of drama, including the shock exits of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman — Jowita’s future feels more uncertain than ever. The pro dancer, who joined Strictly as a fresh face in 2021, has been a staple ever since, but her comments suggest the relentless schedule might be taking its toll. With the annual Strictly tour on the horizon — a nationwide live extravaganza that sees pros and celebs hitting arenas up and down the country — and personal travel plans calling her name, Jowita is clearly weighing up her options.

‘I hope so,’ she repeated when pressed on a return, her tone a mix of optimism and realism. It’s a far cry from the tearful eliminations or triumphant finals of past series, but it echoes the reality many Strictly pros face: the show is all-consuming, with months of intense rehearsals, live shows, and tours leaving little room for life outside the ballroom.

Fans were quick to react, with hashtags like #BringBackJowita and #StrictlyNeedsJowita trending as clips of her interview spread like wildfire. ‘Please don’t leave! She’s one of the best pros we’ve ever had,’ one devoted viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: ‘After five years of magic, she deserves a break — but come back stronger, Jowita!’ The outpouring of love is no surprise; Jowita’s journey from Poland to the heart of British Saturday-night TV has been nothing short of inspirational.

Born in Poland, Jowita began dancing at the tender age of six, quickly rising through the ranks to become a champion in Latin and ballroom competitions worldwide. Her technical brilliance and expressive style caught the eye of Strictly scouts, landing her a spot on the pro roster just as the show was evolving post-pandemic. Her win with Bill Bailey wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement. A comedian with no dance background lifting the trophy? It proved Strictly’s magic: anyone can shine with the right partner and pro.

Subsequent series saw her paired with stars like EastEnders actor James Bye, radio host Richie Anderson, and most recently TOWIE favourite Pete Wicks in 2025 — a partnership that sparked its own headlines, from romance rumours to on-screen tension debates. Through it all, Jowita remained the consummate professional, delivering routines that blended elegance with fire.

Her uncertainty comes amid broader changes at Strictly. The departure of Tess and Claudia — the presenting duo who’ve been the friendly faces of the show for nearly two decades — was announced last year, sending shockwaves through fans and cast alike. Jowita has previously shared her thoughts on the shake-up, admitting the show ‘won’t be the same’ without them but expressing excitement for whoever steps in. With new hosts potentially on the horizon and ongoing efforts to refresh the format after past controversies (bullying probes, welfare measures, and pro exits), the landscape feels shifting.

For Jowita, the pull of travel is understandable. After years of non-stop commitment — training from dawn till dusk, performing live under pressure, and jetting around for the tour — a sabbatical could be exactly what she needs. She’s hinted at wanting to explore the world, recharge, and perhaps pursue other dance projects or personal adventures. ‘Normally I don’t really have time to do that,’ she said of travelling, underscoring how Strictly has dominated her life.

Yet the prospect of her not returning has sparked genuine concern. Strictly pros are the backbone of the show; their expertise, charisma, and chemistry with celebs make or break each series. Losing a winner like Jowita — especially one who’s proven so adaptable and popular — would be a blow. Past departures (think Giovanni Pernice, Graziano di Prima amid scandals) have left gaps, and fans are adamant Jowita shouldn’t follow suit.

Insiders say BBC bosses value her hugely. Her win brought fresh energy, and her consistent performances have kept her in high demand. But contracts are renewed annually, and with the tour wrapping up and new pairings to be announced later this year, decisions are imminent. Jowita’s red-carpet honesty might even prompt an official announcement soon — whether it’s a heartfelt ‘yes, I’m back’ or a bittersweet farewell.

In the meantime, she’s soaking up the glamour. At the TV Choice Awards, she stunned in a show-stopping gown, posing alongside fellow Strictly stars like Nadiya Bychkova and Helen Skelton (who crossed over from presenting to dancing). The night was a reminder of the family vibe among the pros, even as uncertainties loom.

Jowita’s Strictly story so far has been one of triumph against the odds. From international competitions to lifting the glitterball in her rookie year, she’s embodied the show’s spirit: hard work, passion, and a touch of magic. Whether 2026 sees her back in sequins or embarking on new horizons, one thing’s clear — she’s left an indelible mark on Strictly Come Dancing.

Fans will be watching closely for updates. Will she return to dazzle another celebrity partner? Or will this be the year she steps away to chase sunsets and new adventures? Either way, Jowita Przystał has proven she’s more than just a dancer — she’s a star in her own right, and whatever comes next, the ballroom will always welcome her back with open arms.

As the Strictly machine gears up for another series, the question on everyone’s lips is simple: Jowita, are you coming back? The dancer herself says she hopes so — and so do millions of viewers who’ve fallen in love with her grace, grit, and glittering performances.

Only time — and perhaps an official BBC announcement — will tell. But for now, the future remains deliciously uncertain, keeping fans hooked on the drama that makes Strictly so addictive.