Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has reportedly been dropped from the show's lineup, becoming the fourth dancer to be axed amid a major shakeup for the 2026 series. The 36-year-old, who joined the BBC programme in 2017, is said to be 'distraught' after being informed by bosses on Friday that she would not be returning.
According to a source, 'the news came as such a huge shock, as Nadiya’s life was Strictly, and to find out she’s not been invited back as a full-time pro has really broken her heart.' The source added that 'no one was expecting producers to chop so many professionals,' with Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas also reportedly being dropped.
Nadiya, whose last celebrity partner was Chris Robshaw in 2025, has never made the final but came closest in 2021 with Dan Walker, who placed fifth. Fans have long campaigned for her to be given a partner with dance experience, claiming she has been 'wronged' by voting outcomes. Following the news, viewers took to social media to express their dismay, with one calling it a 'big mistake' and another hoping the reports 'aren't true.'
The axing comes as part of a broader overhaul, with insiders saying 'major changes are taking place' and that 'bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years.' A Strictly spokesperson declined to comment, stating: 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.'
