Michelle Tsiakkas has issued a warning to fans as they rushed to support her after revealing a 'traumatising' incident she'd suffered
Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has issued a warning to fans as they rushed to support her after revealing a 'traumatising' incident she'd suffered.
The professional dancer, who has been a part of the BBC One dance show since 2022, took to social media to share her own message to others as she fell victim it pickpocketing while out in Central London.
Taking to Instagram, Michelle shared a video in which she spoke directly to the camera and explained what happened. She said: "I just wanted to make this video to let you know something that happened to me the other day in London.
"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."
The 29-year-old continued: "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."
Michelle went on to explain that it was early morning and she was on her way tot he dentist and felt she was the "only person around" when she took out her phone to check for directions.
She said: "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 said that in the moment, she thinks she reached to grab her phone back, only to fall onto the floor, leaving her with a grazed knee. She said the thief was wearing a mask, so she wasn't able to identify them, as well as the fact they sped away quickly on the electric bike.
The dancer said that "thankfully" there were two women nearby who had seen she was "distressed" and came to help her and offered her the us of a phone in order to make calls to her network provider, bank and her mum, who she said would worry if she wasn't responding to her messages.
Michelle did manage to get a new phone and said she considered herself to be "lucky" but felt "traumatised" by what she had experienced. "I'm being way more careful, I won't even take my phone out for directions," she added.
Alongside her video, Michelle shared with her social media followers: "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."
She was quickly flooded with messages of support. @tim.regan.dance said: "Really sorry to hear this. It seems to be a common occurrence in London these days sadly. Sending love and hope you’re ok!!"
@maiyakarina commented: "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 wrote: "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry this happened to you what is wrong with people. sending love."
@alanpressland replied: "Oh no, sorry to hear this, Michelle. I'm glad you had everything backed up, I hope you feel better soon." @nataliecox112 posted: "oh my goodness I'm so sorry this happened to you what is wrong with people. sending love." @courtneygroves25 added: "oh Michelle i'm so sorry that this happened to you! sending you so much love."
