Strictly Come Dancing Faces Ageism Allegations After Nadiya Bychkova Axing
The BBC's flagship entertainment programme, Strictly Come Dancing, has been accused of ageism following reports that professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova has been axed from the show. The 36-year-old Ukrainian performer, who has been a fixture on the series since 2017, is said to be "devastated" by the decision, with a source claiming her age played a significant role in the move.
Major Shake-Up Behind the Scenes
According to insider reports, Bychkova is one of four professional dancers being dropped ahead of the next series, which is scheduled to premiere in September. Her colleagues Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, are also reportedly facing the chop. This mass cull forms part of a substantial behind-the-scenes overhaul for Strictly, which has navigated several controversies in recent years.
A source speaking to The Sun characterised the BBC's approach as "out with the old, in with the new," explicitly linking Bychkova's departure to ageism. "Her axing smacks of ageism," the source stated. "They're clearing all the old crew out to make way for new dancers." The insider added that Bychkova, who remains immensely popular with the show's fanbase, "can't understand why she won't be back" and that the programme "is her life."
Nadiya Bychkova's Strictly Journey and Injuries
Nadiya Bychkova first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, partnering with EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami and reaching the quarter-finals. Over her near-decade tenure, her celebrity partners have included Blue singer Lee Ryan, footballer David Hames, TV journalist Dan Walker, musician Matt Goss, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, and rugby star Chris Robshaw, who was her most recent partner in the 2025 series.
Her time on the show has not been without physical challenges. In 2025, she was hospitalised after suffering a back injury from a fall during rehearsals. The previous year, she broke her thumb while practising a group dance. Notably, Bychkova is the only one of the four reportedly axed professionals who had a celebrity partner last year. Gorka Marquez was unavailable due to filming commitments with the Spanish version of the show, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, while both Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas were also without partners.
Additional Changes and Past Scandals
The forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing is undergoing significant transformation beyond the professional dancer lineup. Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman jointly decided to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 series, leaving their replacements yet to be announced. Furthermore, it is reported that Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will not be assigned celebrity partners this year, though they may still participate in group dances.
These changes occur against a backdrop of recent scandals that have plagued the show. In 2023, actress Amanda Abbington accused her professional partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying, prompting a major investigation. Similarly, Love Island star Zara McDermott alleged that her partner Graziano Di Prima kicked her during training. Both Pernice and Di Prima denied bullying allegations but subsequently left the programme.
Former celebrity contestant Wynne Evans also found himself at the centre of controversy after footage showed him placing his hand on professional dancer Katya Jones' waist. Evans described it as an "in joke" and apologised, but he was later removed from the show's tour following an alleged slur and ultimately let go by the BBC entirely.
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment regarding the ageism allegations and the reported axing of the four professional dancers. The corporation has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
