Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has revealed she feared she was paralysed after a horror fall during rehearsals for the new series. The 36-year-old dancer was rushed to hospital by ambulance last month following the accident.
Speaking for the first time about the incident, Bychkova said she was rehearsing a group dance while standing on a chair and table in heels when she fell. 'It was a really scary moment,' she said. 'I was incredibly worried because I couldn't feel my left leg and I was unable to move.'
The Ukrainian dancer was immobilised on a trolley for hours while awaiting scans on her spine. 'That's when you worry because you have no idea how bad it is. I was thinking it might be the end of my series or even my dancing career,' she said. She described the relief when told there was no permanent damage as 'the biggest relief of my life'.
Remarkably, Bychkova was back at work within a week. She attended the premiere of the new Downton Abbey film this week, saying she was 'a bit battered and bruised but nothing a few trips to the physio couldn't solve'. She praised the Strictly crew and medical team for their support, and singled out fellow dancer Carlos Gu for trying to keep her spirits up by singing 'Killing Me Softly' and then 'I Will Survive'.
Bychkova said she is 'fighting fit and ready for an amazing series'. Asked about the recent scandals surrounding the show, including allegations of drug use and bullying, she said: 'Strictly is always in the headlines and this year is no different. We are all focussed on doing the best job possible.'
