Former Strictly star fears Home Office blunder could leave her homeless
A former Strictly Come Dancing professional is facing an alarming legal maze after a clerical error by the Home Office allegedly wiped out her right to live in Britain from official records. Anya Garnis, a 43-year-old American, says the mistake could force her family to leave their long-term home and could even jeopardise their future in the country they call home.
The dancer, who rose to fame on the popular BBC show, has lived in the UK for years, building a life including education for her children and close ties with the community. She now says a missing or incorrect entry on immigration records has left her unable to rent, sign leases, or access essential services—frustrating steps that are routine for many residents but fraught with peril for someone who does not have a valid, recognized status in the eyes of officials.
Garnis told reporters she was attempting to rent a property in Totnes when the landlord’s agency rejected her application after it appeared she did not have a right to reside. This refusal, she says, is not a matter of capacity or intention to stay but an administrative glitch that questions her legitimacy in the country she has helped to call home for years.
The Home Office has acknowledged that errors can occur in complex systems, though it emphasises that the aim is to maintain accurate, up-to-date records for all residents and visitors. Advocates for Garnis describe the situation as a “human error with potentially life-changing consequences.” Advocates say the impact extends beyond housing to affect schooling for children, access to healthcare, and eligibility for local programs that rely on proper immigration status.
The former Strictly star’s case highlights broader concerns about the accuracy of immigration records, the speed and clarity of resolution pathways for affected families, and the emotional toll of bureaucratic red tape. For Garnis, the looming threat is not just paperwork; it’s the fear of becoming suddenly undocumented, facing possible enforcement action, and the risk of displacement from a country she has worked in and contributed to for years.
Legal experts say residents who receive notices indicating a lapse or absence of valid status must respond promptly to protect their rights. In cases like Garnis’, where evidence of residence and work are clear, the path to resolution typically involves a correction of the records, followed by confirmation of ongoing rights to live and work in the UK. Experts stress that delays can amplify anxiety and jeopardize rental agreements and other long-term commitments.
Family life remains at the heart of Garnis’s concerns. She and her partner have built a routine around school runs, local activities, and community involvement. The prospect of homelessness or forced departure would not only disrupt the family’s stability but could also hamper the children’s sense of security and continuity in their education and social life.
In response to the situation, Garnis’s supporters have organized outreach to legal aid groups and immigration lawyers who specialise in residency disputes and human-rights considerations. The aim is to secure a swift, transparent review of the records, verify Garnis’s right to reside, and restore normal housing access so the family can maintain their settled life in Britain.
As the case unfolds, Garnis remains hopeful that a corrective update will be issued by the Home Office and that landlords will recognize the resolution, allowing the family to sign leases without further delay. Her story underscores the fragility of administrative systems and the real-world impact when mistakes cloud the basic right to live in a home and a country.
What this means for other residents
Experts say Garnis’s experience should serve as a reminder for residents and agencies to keep records accurate and up to date. It also highlights the need for clear, accessible processes to challenge and correct mistaken entries. For families, it’s a cautionary tale about safeguarding housing rights, maintaining documentation, and seeking prompt legal guidance when bureaucratic obstacles arise.
