Nadiya Bychkova has returned to Strictly Come Dancing screens just months after being dropped from the professional line-up. The dancer appeared on It Takes Two's All Star panel on Friday, October 2, alongside former celebrity contestants Jay McGuiness and Kimberley Walsh.
Bychkova was axed from Strictly in March following nine years on the show, as part of a major BBC reshuffle. A statement on Strictly's official Instagram page said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing. 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."
Return to It Takes Two
The statement continued: "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. A consummate professional, Nadiya embodies the very best of what Strictly stands for. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to the show and wish her every success for the future."
On her return, the trio gave viewers a sneak peek of this weekend's Movie Week routines alongside presenter Ellie Taylor. Fans were quick to express their delight at seeing Bychkova back on their screens.
Fan Reactions
One viewer posted 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 chimed in: "Nadiya Bychkova I've missed you diva." A third fan declared: "So good to have Nadiya back."
Another person commented: "So nice to see Nadiya Bychkova 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."
Bychkova's Advice and Other Exits
Sharing her insights on It Takes Two, Bychkova 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."
Bychkova was not the only pro to exit the show earlier this year, as Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas also left. In a statement posted on Instagram, Bychkova previously expressed: "After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving." She continued: "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.
