Strictly Come Dancing Faces Major Professional Dancer Shake-Up for 2026 Series
Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly undergoing a significant overhaul ahead of its 2026 series, with four professional dancers said to have been axed by BBC bosses. This news follows the departure of long-term presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the last series, leaving fans speculating about replacements and now reeling from the loss of beloved dance professionals.
Nadiya Bychkova Reportedly 'Distraught' After BBC Meeting
According to reports, Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova, 36, is the latest professional to receive news that she will not return as a full-time pro for the 2026 series. An insider revealed that Bychkova was informed in a meeting with BBC executives on Friday, 6 March 2026, which left her "distraught" and heartbroken, as Strictly had been a central part of her life.
The source added: "No one was expecting producers to chop so many professionals. Especially someone like Nadiya, who's shown so much dedication to the show over the years. There's a super weird feeling among the rest of the pros now, they're all wondering if they're safe and everyone's nervous."
Other Professional Dancers Reportedly Axed
Bychkova joins three other professional dancers who are reportedly not returning for the 2026 series:
- Gorka Márquez: The Spanish dancer joined in 2016, reached the final twice with Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton, and met his fiancée Gemma Atkinson on the show.
- Luba Mushtuk: The Russian professional became a Strictly dancer in 2018 and has competed in four series.
- Michelle Tsiakkas: The Cypriot dancer joined in 2022 and has competed in just one series.
None of these three dancers had a celebrity partner in the 2025 series, but they are all scheduled to appear in the Strictly: The Professionals tour starting in late April.
Bychkova's Strictly Journey and Social Media Response
Nadiya Bychkova joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, partnering with celebrities such as Davood Khadami and Dan Walker. Standing at 5ft 8, she has typically been paired with the tallest male contestants but has never reached the final. In the 2025 series, she competed with Chris Robshaw, and the pair were the third to be eliminated.
Despite the reported bad news, Bychkova maintained a positive presence on social media over the weekend. She posted a video of herself dancing by a swimming pool to celebrate International Women's Day, captioning it: "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."
BBC Response and Future Plans
The Independent has contacted representatives for Nadiya Bychkova for comment. A BBC representative stated that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course, leaving fans awaiting official announcements regarding the professional lineup and potential new presenters.
This major shake-up marks a period of transition for the popular BBC dance competition, as it adjusts to changes both on and off the dance floor, with the departure of key presenters and now several long-standing professional dancers.
