Strictly star issues warning to fans as she suffers 'traumatising' incident
Strictly star issues warning to fans as she suffers 'traumatising' incident
Strictly Come Dancing professional Michelle Tsiakkas has issued a warning to fans after she became the victim of a crime in broad daylight
Michelle Tsiakkas told her story on Instagram
(Image: Mike Marsland, Mike Marsland/WireImagevia Getty Images )
Strictly Come Dancing sensation Michelle Tsiakkas has shared a stark warning to her followers after opening up about a distressing pickpocketing ordeal in Central London.
The BBC One show's professional dancer, who joined the cast in 2022, turned to Instagram with a heartfelt video detailing her recent encounter. She directly addressed her fans, saying: "I just wanted to make this video to let you know something that happened to me the other day in London."
Michelle described the incident as deeply unsettling, impacting her mentally to the extent of spoiling her entire day. She explained: "This was a couple of days ago and I've just about mentally recovered from that. It was quite traumatising on the day, it ruined my whole day and made me feel awful, scared, helpless and I don't want the same to happen to you."
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In her candid account, the 29-year-old revealed the shocking moment her phone was snatched from her grasp. She reflected on the crime, saying: "My phone got stolen. I mean, I see it happening all the time but it's just one of those things that you think is never going to happen to you and then it does."
She continued to explain that she felt like the "only person around" during the early morning, heading to a dentist appointment when the theft occurred just as she checked her phone for directions, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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Michelle recounted the swift turn of events, stating: "I was on the actual street of the dentist and what happens? A man comes on a bike behind me, sweeps past me and grabs my phone. So he's grabbed my phone, he's on an electric bike and my heart she sank."
Michelle recounted the moment, explaining that she instinctively reached to grab her phone back but tumbled to the ground, causing a grazed knee. She couldn't identify the thief because they wore a mask and quickly sped away on their electric bike.
The dancer gave her thanks to two women who noticed she was "distressed" and came to offer assistance, allowing her to use a phone to contact her network provider, bank, and her mum, who would have been worried by her lack of response.
Despite getting a new phone, Michelle described feeling "lucky" yet admitted to being "traumatised" following the ordeal. She revealed: "I'm being way more careful, I won't even take my phone out for directions,"
Michelle's fans soon posted messages of support
(Image: PA )
Michelle further warned her social media followers with a caption: "Warning. This can happen to you in Central London. Be aware and be very careful. Phone theft is happening more and more and it seems like crime in the city is getting worse ... Has something like this ever happened to you? #pickpocketing #london #crime."
Supportive messages poured in soon after her post, with @tim. regan.dance commenting: "Really sorry to hear this. It seems to be a common occurrence in London these days sadly. Sending love and hope you're ok!!". While @maiyakarina said: "I'm glad you're starting to feel a bit better about it now. Lots of love michellie you are a beautiful person who was just caught at the wrong time sadly."
@nataliecox112 commented: "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry this happened to you what is wrong with people. sending love."
@alanpressland responded: "Oh no, sorry to hear this, Michelle. I'm glad you had everything backed up, I hope you feel better soon."
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@courtneygroves25 also replied: "oh Michelle i'm so sorry that this happened to you! sending you so much love."
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