Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has returned to the show just months after being axed. Bychkova was dropped from Strictly in March after nine years on the programme, as part of a major BBC shake-up.
A statement on Strictly's official Instagram page read: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing."
It went on: "Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry, and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family. Over the years, Nadiya has delivered countless memorable performances, showcasing not only her exceptional talents as a dancer and choreographer but also her brilliance as a teacher to all her celebrity partners."
Return to It Takes Two
Now, Nadiya has returned to the programme as part of It Takes Two's All Star panel on Friday (October 2). The dancer was joined by former celebrity stars Jay McGuiness and Kimberley Walsh. The trio previewed this weekend's Movie Week dances with host Ellie Taylor.
It didn't take long for fans to share their excitement at seeing Nadiya back on screen. One person wrote on X: "Lovely to see the talented, dignified Nadiya on @bbcstrictly #ittakestwo. Whoever decided to 'refresh' her out of the pro line-up wants kicking with very spangly pointed shoes."
Another added: "Nadiya Bychkova I've missed you diva." A third viewer said: "So good to have Nadiya back." Someone else commented: "So nice to see Nadiya Byckova back on #ItTakesTwo and still part of the #Strictly family She was always full of kindness as a pro and hope to see more of her in the future, either as a permanent fixture on It Takes Two or maybe even a future contestant on #CelebrityTraitors."
Advice for Movie Week
Sharing her expertise on It Takes Two, Nadiya said: "I think on [the] Friday, it's really important to get there and make sure [the celebs are] comfortable, as comfortable as you can get on Friday in that ballroom. But make sure the steps are in, the understanding of the routine is there and slowly getting into the spirit of the Movie Week. So then tomorrow, once it is the Movie Week and it's the main performance, they will be ready and be able to just enjoy and be in the moment."
Nadiya wasn't the only professional to bid farewell to the ballroom earlier this year, as Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas also left the show. In a statement shared on Instagram, Nadiya previously said: "After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving."
She added: "I'm excited to have time to focus on new projects, and to spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter. Life feels full of possibilities. I danced before Strictly, I loved dancing on the show and I plan to keep dancing for many years to come."
Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly: It Takes Two are both available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
