‘I think it’s amazing!’ Nadiya Bychkova delivers honest verdict on new BBC Strictly hosts after exit
The former Strictly pro praised one presenter for bringing something ‘lovely’ to the role
Nadiya Bychkova has shared her verdict on the BBC show’s new presenting team following her departure, saying Johannes Radebe offers something previous hosts could not.
The Ukrainian-born ballroom champion left Strictly earlier this year after spending nine years on the programme, but insists she is excited to watch the next chapter unfold from home.
Speaking to Betway, Ms Bychkova admitted she was particularly thrilled to see Mr Radebe step into one of the show’s presenting roles alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.
“I’m really excited for them all!” she said.
Nadiya Bychkova spent nine years as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing before leaving earlier this year
“I’m so excited for Johannes to be in that role. I absolutely love him, and he deserves the world.
“He’s worked so hard throughout his career.”
The 35-year-old reflected on watching Mr Radebe’s journey since he first joined the BBC competition.
“I remember when he first joined the show and didn’t have a partner in his first year,” she explained.
Nadiya Bychkova
“We all know he’s an incredible dancer, but he’s also an incredible human being.”
Ms Bychkova believes Mr Radebe’s experience as a professional dancer will give viewers a fresh perspective.
“I genuinely can’t wait to see him shine,” she continued.
“I think it’s amazing to have someone in that role who is a professional dancer.
Ms Bychkova has backed Johannes Radebe to thrive as one of Strictly Come Dancing’s new presenters
“Obviously, all the presenters are fantastic, but having someone who understands everything inside out from a dancer’s perspective is such a lovely addition.”
Her comments come after the BBC confirmed Emma Willis, Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe will front the new series following the departures of long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Ms Bychkova admitted saying goodbye to the presenting duo had been emotional after spending almost a decade working alongside them.
“We’re all going to miss them,” she said.
“They’re iconic, and when I joined the show, they were already there, so they’re everything I’ve ever known.”
However, she acknowledged that change was inevitable.
“I think they’re amazing. But, as I said, life goes on.
“We all have new things coming our way, and sometimes change is needed, in the best possible way.”
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down as Strictly Come Dancing hosts after more than a decade on the BBC show
Despite leaving the programme herself, Ms Bychkova insisted she has no regrets about her time on Strictly and is embracing the next stage of her career.
“I feel fine now, and I felt fine then,” she said of her exit.
“I’m grateful to have done the show because, obviously, when I started it, I didn’t really know what to expect.”
Reflecting on nearly a decade with the programme, she added: “I gave the show almost a decade, and it meant not being able to say yes to other opportunities. I feel it’s time for a new chapter.”
Ms Bychkova opened up about life after leaving Strictly Come Dancing
The dancer also dismissed suggestions there had been any bad feeling behind the scenes, describing the atmosphere as one of the show’s greatest strengths.”
I’d always tell them how much of a family atmosphere there is backstage,” she said of friends who visited the studio.
“It’s an intense environment, and there are nerves, but it’s a great cast and crew.”
Looking ahead, Ms Bychkova revealed she is pursuing a string of creative projects, including choreography, producing live shows, acting and pantomime.
“I’m definitely moving more into the creative side of things, with choreographing, producing shows, and developing my own ideas,” she said.
The former Strictly star also confirmed she is set to play Tinker Bell in a production of Peter Pan this Christmas, while teasing that several television projects are also in the pipeline.
