Nadiya Bychkova, one of the pro dancers who left Strictly Come Dancing this year, returned to the franchise on 2 October, appearing on It Takes Two as part of a panel of former Strictly stars. Fans welcomed her back, praising her 'dignified' performance on the show.
Return to It Takes Two
The 37-year-old joined host Ellie Taylor alongside Jay McGuinness and Kimberley Walsh. During the episode, she was asked about Dani Dyer's upcoming foxtrot and praised the Love Island star's "beautiful" lines that she made with her arms. "I just can't wait to see her dance," Nadiya said.
She also spoke about Graeme Hall's foxtrot, saying she thought it would be "great" because the dog trainer was clearly "enjoying" his time on Strictly. At the end of the episode, she returned to say she thought Cach's next dance would show off his "musicality, rhythm and personality".
Fan reaction
Fans took to social media to share their happiness at seeing Nadiya back in the Strictly world. One wrote: "Nadiya Bychkova, I've missed you diva." Another added: "Lovely to see the talented, dignified Nadiya on Strictly It Takes Two. Whoever decided to 'refresh' her out of the pro line-up wants kicking with very spangly pointed shoes." A third agreed that it was "so good to have Nadiya back".
Exit from the show
It was confirmed in March that Nadiya, who had been on Strictly for nine years, would not be returning as a pro dancer. The BBC thanked her for her "incredible contribution" to the show, adding that she had brought "elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom" since her arrival in 2017.
Nadiya was one of five professionals to exit the show this year, including Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. She released a statement to announce her exit, saying: "After nine wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving. There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people's lives and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks and those who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series."
She added: "I also want to take a moment to appreciate all those who have helped me along the way: my partners, my fellow professionals, the judges and brilliant people behind the scenes. I joined the show as an athlete and a double world champion."
When asked if she would consider returning, she told Hello magazine: "Absolutely. It is absolutely [on the cards]. We are talking about, hopefully in the future, me coming and choreographing some of the pro numbers. The team have known for years how passionate I am about creating things and choreographing."
She continued: "Lots of producers came to watch shows that I did myself. This is the natural thing to do, because of what I love and what I want to do. It would be beautiful to see some of my creations and stories [that] I want to tell through dance on Strictly one day."
