Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has been axed from the BBC show, a decision revealed just days after she downplayed being snubbed from this year's Strictly tour by boasting about having 'free time' in her schedule.
Tour Exclusion and Schedule Comments
The 36-year-old Ukrainian dancer, a long-term star of the programme, was culled by show bosses. Before news of her dropping emerged, Nadiya had already failed to appear on the hugely popular Strictly tour for the second consecutive year. She recently commented to Closer magazine, stating, 'You always want to be part of whatever Strictly is doing, but when it comes to the tours it doesn't work every year.'
Nadiya elaborated, 'Chris [Robshaw] and I were out quite early this season, so I didn't get to go on tour with him. But at the same time, it's nice to take some time off and not be on the road. Strictly was full-on with so many things, like the group dance. It was intense since July, so being able to free up my schedule in January is nice.' She has not yet publicly addressed her axing, with the BBC yet to announce this year's official lineup.
Reasons Behind the Decision
Contrary to rumours suggesting age was a factor, reports indicate that Nadiya's removal from the professional lineup is due to backstage tantrums and her friendship with former partner Dan Walker, who competed with her in 2021. Her diva-like outbursts behind the scenes reportedly infuriated co-stars, while her breakup with fellow pro dancer Kai Widdrington, 30, created unwanted tension among the cast, making their company 'awkward' for others.
Their two-year relationship did not sit well with bosses, who strive to avoid including exes in the professionals' lineup to maintain harmony within the group. An insider explained, 'Strictly is a light entertainment show, but it has to be competitive - otherwise it doesn't work. Execs want the pros to treat the series like a sport and get the best results out of their partners, without going over the top and avoiding bullying scandals which have marred the show in recent years.'
Performance Concerns and Replacement Hopes
Nadiya's recent performances with celebrity partners, including Matt Goss, have not yielded strong results; she failed to make the top 10 with any of her last three partners. To uphold high standards, show executives hope that whoever fills her spot will achieve better outcomes. Other professional dancers axed this year include Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Márquez, 35.
In related news, Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female professional dancer since 2012, has also been cut after 13 years on the programme. Her last celebrity partner was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Meanwhile, BBC bosses have secured Katya Jones' place on the show due to her popularity with viewers, highlighting the ongoing reshuffling of the Strictly lineup.
