Strictly Come Dancing Drops Four Professional Dancers in Major BBC Refresh
In a significant shake-up for the beloved BBC dance competition, four professional dancers have been dropped from Strictly Come Dancing as the broadcaster seeks to completely refresh the show. This move follows a series of scandals and the departure of long-serving presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, signaling a new era for the programme.
Nadiya Bychkova's Exit After Eight Years
The glamorous Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova, aged 35, has been told her time on the Strictly dancefloor is over after eight years with the show. During her tenure, she partnered with notable celebrities including television presenter Dan Walker, singer Matt Goss, actor Davood Ghadami, and most recently rugby player Chris Robshaw in 2024. Friends reveal that the five-time World Champion is naturally very disappointed by the decision but is in discussions to potentially remain part of the Strictly family through behind-the-scenes choreography work.
Bychkova's departure marks the end of a memorable run, highlighted by her emotional partnership with Dan Walker in 2021. Walker, known for his strong Christian faith, paid an intense tribute to her upon his exit, describing her as someone who turned some lights on in his life. Their bond was evident backstage, where Walker was seen weeping on her shoulder, and Bychkova was pictured in tears after their elimination. They have maintained a friendship since.
Other Professional Dancers Cut in the Cull
Joining Bychkova in the exit are long-serving pro Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Gorka Marquez, 35, has been with Strictly for a decade, reaching three finals and meeting his British fiancée Gemma Atkinson on the show in 2017. The couple now have two young children and host a successful podcast together. Last year, Marquez did not have a celebrity partner due to filming commitments for the Spanish version of the show but participated in group numbers.
Luba Mushtuk, who joined eight years ago, also did not have a partner last year and has now been cut. Michelle Tsiakkas, aged 30, leaves after partnering actor Jamie Borthwick in 2024. Borthwick was at the centre of two controversies during that series, including using an ableist slur backstage in Blackpool and being allegedly referred to with an offensive nickname by fellow contestant Wynne Evans.
Background of Scandals and Presenter Changes
Producers are aiming for a fresh start for the BBC1 show, with new presenters expected to be announced soon following Daly and Winkleman's decisions to step down. This refresh comes in the wake of a string of scandals that have plagued Strictly in recent years. Allegations have included drug-taking and abusive behaviour towards contestants by professional dancers.
Notably, pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima both left the show amid controversies. Graziano departed after allegations that he stamped on his partner Zara McDermott, while Pernice was investigated by the BBC over bullying claims made by his partner Amanda Abbington, some of which were upheld. It is important to stress that there is no suggestion that any of the four dancers cut in this refresh have been involved in any wrongdoing; their exits are part of a broader restructuring effort.
Personal Lives and Future Prospects
Nadiya Bychkova, who posed nude for Slovenian Playboy in 2015, has had a colourful personal life. She previously dated footballer Maria Skarabot, with whom she has a nine-year-old daughter named Mila. More recently, she was in a relationship with fellow Strictly pro Kai Widdrington, which ended suddenly in 2024 after around two years, with both citing the pressure of working together. Bychkova has since been seen with stage actor Ian McIntosh and has expressed a cautious approach to dating, ruling out dating apps as not for her.
The BBC has stated that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course, indicating that further changes may be on the horizon as the show evolves. This refresh aims to reinvigorate the programme, blending new talent with the cherished elements that have made it a national favourite for years.
