The BBC programme is undergoing a major overhaul.
Strictly star ‘distraught’ after pro ‘axed’ after decade on BBC show (Image: BBC)
Nadiya Bychkova has reportedly been axed from Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, 36, has been a regular on the BBC dancefloor after she joined the show in 2017, the same series when Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell joined the programme.
It comes amid speculation of a mass cull ahead of the 2026 series, with Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas also said to have been dropped. According to the latest, Nadiya is claimed to be “distraught” over the news. She reportedly had a meeting with show bosses on Friday and is said to be “gutted”.
The Ukranian-born dancer’s other past celebrity partners have included Lee Ryan, Matt Goss, and Tom Dean. While the mum-of-one never made the final, Nadiya came closest in 2021 with Dan Walker, who placed fifth.
“Nadiya is distraught. 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 full time pro has really broken her heart. No one was expecting producers to chop so many professionals,” a source told The Sun.
Nadiya Bychkova joined Strictly in 2017 (Image: Getty)
The insider added that Nadiya’s axing was a shock after the dancer has shown so much dedication to the programme.
The source added: “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.”
A BBC spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
The long-running show has been hit by a string of scandals in recent years.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit their roles on Strictly (Image: Getty)
In 2024, the BBC introduced chaperones and new welfare measures to ensure the safety of the celebrities and professional dancers.
A chaperone is now present during each and every rehearsal, logging both positive and negative moments during the training sessions.
The news of the major show shake-up comes after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from hosting the BBC programme last year.
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