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Strictly Come Dancing favourite Michelle Tsiakkas has issued an urgent warning to her fans, sharing a harrowing experience to raise awareness after suffering a 'traumatising' ordeal.
The professional dancer, who joined the BBC One dance show's line-up in 2022, reached out to her followers on social media to recall a recent distressing event where she fell prey to pickpocketing in Central London.
Michelle took to Instagram with a candid video in which she addressed her audience directly, opening up about the incident. She recounted: "I just wanted to make this video to let you know something that happened to me the other day in London."
She admitted to just starting to feel normal again after stating: "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 then revealed: "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 to the dentist and felt she was the "only person around" when she took out her phone to check for directions, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Michelle described the moment vividly: "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 sank."
Michelle recounted that in the heat of the moment, she instinctively tried to snatch her phone back, only to tumble onto the pavement and scrape her knee. She noted that the thief was masked, making identification impossible, and they made a swift getaway on an electric bike.
The dancer gave her thanks to two women nearby who noticed she was "distressed" and came to her aid, offering their phone so she could contact her network provider, bank, and her mum, who she knew would be worried if she didn't respond to her messages.
Michelle managed to get a new phone and considered herself "lucky" despite feeling "traumatised" by the ordeal. "I'm being way more careful, I won't even take my phone out for directions," she added.
Michelle's fans soon posted messages of support
(Image: PA)
Alongside her video, Michelle issued a warning to 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."
Her post was soon inundated with supportive messages. @tim.regan. dance commented: "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 reached out with supportive words: "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 echoed the sentiment: "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."
While@courtneygroves25 commiserated: "oh Michelle i'm so sorry that this happened to you! sending you so much love."