Nadiya Bychkova, who was dropped from Strictly Come Dancing’s current line-up in March after nine years on the show, is reportedly planning a career pivot into acting.
The 37-year-old professional dancer, who was born in Ukraine, is said to be hoping to sign with an acting agent to advance her career and that of her daughter, Mila, whom she shares with her ex-partner, Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot.
Acting ambitions and support from Dan Walker
A source claims Bychkova “caught the acting bug” after appearing in the Netflix production of the ballroom dance movie 10 Dance, released in December last year. The source told The Sun: “She knows there’s big money there too.”
The insider added: “She’s signing with an acting agent who has connections to some major Hollywood productions, including actors associated with The Devil Wears Prada. Nadiya doesn’t want to do things by halves. If she’s going to pursue acting, she wants the right people around her.”
Dan Walker, who danced with Bychkova in 2021, is said to be supporting her through the change. Last year, the pair launched their own production firm, Butterfly Entertainment.
Revenge speculation and departure
“Some people are suggesting this is her revenge on the show,” the source added, noting that Bychkova is prepared to put in the work to break into acting and would like to land a major television drama or film role.
Reports claimed that alleged backstage behaviour played a part in the decision to drop her from the programme, including claims of outbursts off camera and tension linked to her split from Kai Widdrington. A source told MailOnline that Bychkova is known to be “uncompromising” away from the cameras and did not react well to not having a celebrity partner in 2023.
At the time of her departure, Bychkova said: “After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving.” She added that she joined the show as “an athlete and a double world champion” and had grown “not only professionally, but personally and creatively.”
