Strictly Come Dancing Drops Nadiya Bychkova Amid Backstage Behaviour Reports
Nadiya Bychkova has reportedly been axed from the professional line-up of Strictly Come Dancing, with sources claiming that her alleged backstage behaviour played a significant role in the decision. The Ukrainian dancer, aged 36, is said to have been involved in tantrums and outbursts off-camera, contributing to a tense atmosphere behind the scenes of the popular BBC show.
Multiple Dancers Cut in Major Shake-Up
The removal of Nadiya Bychkova is part of a broader overhaul of the Strictly Come Dancing professional roster. Alongside her, other dancers including Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas are also believed to have been cut from the line-up. Reports suggest that Karen Hauer and Katya Jones may also be at risk of losing their positions on the programme.
This shake-up comes as the show aims for a fresh start in 2026, following the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year. The presenters confirmed their exit in a joint statement, describing their time hosting as an "absolute dream" and expressing gratitude to the BBC and the production team.
Alleged Behaviour and Tensions Behind the Scenes
Sources indicate that Nadiya Bychkova's behaviour was a key factor in her dismissal. She is described as "uncompromising" away from the cameras, with reports of tantrums that disrupted the backstage environment. Additionally, her two-year romance with fellow dancer Kai Widdrington, which ended in a split, is said to have caused further tension among the cast and crew.
In 2023, Nadiya reportedly did not react well to being without a celebrity partner on the show, adding to concerns about her conduct. A source explained, "Strictly is a light entertainment show, but it has to be competitive - otherwise it doesn't work. Execs want the pros to treat the series like a sport and get the best results out of their partners, without going over the top and avoiding bullying scandals which have marred the show in recent years."
Performance Concerns and Replacement Plans
Nadiya Bychkova's recent performances on Strictly Come Dancing have also come under scrutiny. Her last three outings with celebrity partners, including Matt Goss, failed to achieve top results, with none reaching the top 10. This has led bosses to seek replacements who can deliver better outcomes and maintain the show's high standards.
A source added, "In order to keep standards high on the show, whoever replaces Nadiya will achieve better results." This focus on performance aligns with the show's efforts to move past recent scandals and revitalise its image.
Additional Factors and Future Directions
Nadiya's close friendship with former contestant Dan Walker is another point of contention. The pair became best friends during their time competing five years ago and have remained close since. However, bosses believe their friendship "triggers needless attention," potentially distracting from the show's core entertainment value.
Despite an ageism row affecting the show, sources clarify that this is not a factor in the current changes. Instead, older dancers are considered more appealing due to their larger fanbases, suggesting that the shake-up is driven by behavioural and performance considerations rather than age-related issues.
The Mirror has approached both Nadiya Bychkova and Strictly Come Dancing for comment on these reports, but no official statements have been released at this time. As the show prepares for its 2026 series, these changes mark a significant shift in its professional line-up and internal dynamics.
