Strictly Come Dancing Professional Nadiya Bychkova Dismisses BBC Axe During Lavish Turkish Getaway
Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova has seemingly brushed aside her recent departure from Strictly Come Dancing, indulging in an opulent holiday at Turkey's exclusive Regnum The Crown resort. The 35-year-old Ukrainian performer, who has been part of the BBC's flagship dance competition for eight years, was seen enjoying the £3,000-per-night luxury accommodation on Sunday, sharing cheerful Instagram content from the A-list destination.
BBC's Comprehensive Refresh Leads to Professional Dancer Exits
The BBC has initiated what insiders describe as a 'complete refresh' of Strictly Come Dancing following a series of scandals and the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. As part of this overhaul, Nadiya Bychkova has been dropped from the professional dancer lineup alongside colleagues Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Producers are reportedly seeking a 'fresh start' for the popular BBC1 programme, with new presenters expected to be announced imminently.
Strictly Come Dancing has faced considerable controversy in recent times, including allegations of drug use and abusive behaviour towards contestants by professional dancers. Both Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima have left the show under contentious circumstances, with Pernice being investigated by the BBC over bullying allegations from his partner Amanda Abbington. It should be noted that none of the professionals being released as part of the current refresh have been implicated in any wrongdoing.
Luxury Resort Provides Celebrity Escape
Nadiya Bychkova chose the prestigious Regnum The Crown in Turkey for her post-Strictly getaway, a five-star establishment that has become a celebrity hotspot in recent years. Previous guests include global superstar Jennifer Lopez, along with British personalities Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury, and Stacey Solomon with husband Joe Swash, who all visited the resort last summer.
In her Instagram video, the blonde dancer showcased her impressive figure in a stylish black and white bikini paired with matching trousers, performing energetic moves by the swimming pool. Beaming with apparent joy, she held up a glass of sparkling wine while dancing to Bruno Mars' new single 'Cha Cha Cha', demonstrating her characteristic enthusiasm despite her professional setback.
Focus on Wellness and Women's Empowerment
During her luxury stay, Nadiya has emphasised personal wellness and marked International Women's Day with a heartfelt social media tribute. She wrote: 'Celebrating women today and every day. The strength, the joy, the resilience and the beautiful way we lift each other up. And sometimes… a little dance along the way. Happy International Women’s Day.'
Friends close to the five-time World Champion dancer reveal she is naturally 'very disappointed' about her Strictly departure but remains in discussions about potentially remaining connected to the Strictly family through behind-the-scenes choreography work. This would allow her to maintain her association with the programme that has been central to her career for nearly a decade.
Memorable Strictly Partnerships and Personal Life
Throughout her eight-year Strictly tenure, Nadiya Bychkova partnered with several notable celebrities, including television presenter Dan Walker, singer Matt Goss, actor Davood Ghadami, and most recently rugby player Chris Robshaw. Her partnership with Dan Walker proved particularly memorable, with the presenter paying an emotional tribute to her during his quarter-final elimination in 2021.
Walker famously declared: 'There are some people who walk into your life and turn some lights on, and that's what she has done to me. You're an amazing person, and if you'll have me, you'll have a friend for life Nadiya Bychkova.' The pair were photographed sharing emotional moments backstage, with Nadiya comforting a tearful Walker after their elimination and later being seen leaving Elstree studios in tears herself.
In her personal life, Nadiya previously dated footballer Maria Skarabot, with whom she shares nine-year-old daughter Mila. More recently, she was in a relationship with fellow Strictly professional Kai Widdrington, which ended abruptly in 2024 after approximately two years, with both citing the pressures of working together. She has since been spotted with stage actor Ian McIntosh, though she has expressed a preference for taking relationships slowly and has ruled out using dating apps.
The BBC has stated that 'plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course', indicating that further changes to the programme's format and personnel may be forthcoming as the corporation seeks to revitalise the beloved dance competition following a challenging period.
