The BBC's decision to drop Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova from Strictly Come Dancing has ignited accusations of ageism, with friends of the star claiming she is devastated by the axing. This move comes as part of a comprehensive refresh of the popular show, which has been marred by recent scandals and the departure of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Allegations of Ageism Surface
A close friend of Bychkova, 36, reportedly told The Sun that her removal "smacks of ageism," questioning why one of the show's most popular dancers would not be returning. The friend emphasised that Strictly has been a central part of Bychkova's life, having partnered with celebrities like TV presenter Dan Walker, singer Matt Goss, and actor Davood Ghadami over her eight-year tenure.
Major Shake-Up in the Dancer Line-Up
The refresh extends beyond Bychkova, affecting several other professional dancers. Long-serving pro Gorka Marquez, along with Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas, have also been axed. Additionally, Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, will not have celebrity partners for the upcoming series, marking the fourth consecutive year without a partner for Jones. While Jones and Xu may still participate in group dances, Bychkova, Marquez, Mushtuk, and Tsiakkas have been completely removed from the line-up.
Friends suggest that the culling of former pros is intended to make room for a new generation of dancers, as producers seek a "fresh start" for the BBC1 programme. This overhaul follows a series of controversies, including allegations of drug use and abusive behaviour by professional dancers towards contestants. Notably, pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima left the show amid investigations, with di Prima accused of stamping on his partner Zara McDermott.
Impact on the Dancers' Careers
Bychkova, a five-time World Champion, is said to be "very disappointed" but is exploring opportunities to remain involved with Strictly behind the scenes, potentially in choreography roles. Similarly, Gorka Marquez, who met his fiancée Gemma Atkinson on the show in 2017 and reached three finals in a decade, may focus on other ventures, including a successful podcast with Atkinson.
Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, exits after partnering actor Jamie Borthwick last year, a series marked by controversies including Borthwick's use of an ableist slur. Meanwhile, Luba Mushtuk, who joined eight years ago, did not have a partner in the previous series.
Bychkova's Response and Public Appearance
Despite the setback, Bychkova appeared in high spirits during a luxury holiday at the Regnum The Crown resort in Turkey, where she shared a video on Instagram dancing to Bruno Mars' new single. She celebrated International Women's Day with a message highlighting the "strength, joy, and resilience" of women, showcasing her positive outlook amid the professional upheaval.
The BBC has been contacted for comment regarding the axings, but no official statement has been released. The show's refresh aims to revitalise Strictly Come Dancing as it prepares to introduce new presenters and address past scandals, though the departure of beloved dancers like Bychkova has sparked debate over fairness and potential age bias in the entertainment industry.
