SH0CK: Strictly Come Dancing star complained to the BBC about a colleague’s abusive behaviour, leaving viewers outraged.
Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova Reportedly Raised Concerns About Colleague Before BBC Exit
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova reportedly complained to three senior BBC executives about an unnamed colleague who allegedly made her feel uncomfortable.
The Ukrainian dancer, 37, is said to have raised her concerns during 2024, asking bosses to intervene and prevent the person from being placed near her.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Bychkova explained why she felt unable to remain around the unnamed individual and requested that they be kept away from her while she continued working on Strictly.
The BBC reportedly offered to launch a formal investigation into the matter, but Bychkova declined that option. The broadcaster’s then HR director is also said to have offered to speak directly to the colleague and instructed production staff to limit the amount of contact between them.
Despite those proposed measures, Bychkova reportedly still encountered the individual during her time on the programme.
A source claimed the dancer did not believe the BBC’s response went far enough and felt her concerns had been minimised.
“Nadiya wrote to tell them she was struggling with a particular person involved with Strictly and she was not happy with the response she got,” the insider said.
“She felt her feelings had been downplayed and that the person’s conduct was being normalised by them. It was a horrific time for her.”
The source acknowledged that the BBC had offered to begin a formal investigation but said Bychkova believed the immediate priority should have been removing the individual from her working environment.
“The BBC offered to open a formal investigation but she felt the person should have been taken out of her orbit,” they continued.
Questions raised following her departure
The insider claimed several discussions took place over the situation, both verbally and in writing, but Bychkova remained dissatisfied with how it was handled.
“There were several conversations, some verbal and some in writing, but Nadiya didn’t feel like enough was done,” the source alleged.
Bychkova joined Strictly in 2017 but left the programme earlier this year. The source questioned whether her complaint and subsequent departure could have been connected, although no evidence establishing such a link was presented.
“The sad thing is it was three women she wrote to. Then, literally a year and a half later, she was got rid of by Strictly’s bosses,” the insider claimed.
“It was heartbreaking for her. She was distraught to be axed. Of course, that is going to lead to questions of whether the two were linked.”
The BBC declined to address the allegations involving specific individuals or discuss its internal procedures.
A spokesperson said: “While we are not going to comment on individuals or HR processes, when issues are raised with us they are always handled seriously and appropriate action is taken.”
There is currently no official confirmation that Bychkova’s reported complaint played any role in her departure from Strictly.
Nadiya’s Strictly career
Bychkova’s most recent celebrity partner was former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw. The pair were eliminated from the competition during week four.
One of her most successful years came in 2021, when she reached the quarter-finals with broadcaster Dan Walker. They eventually finished the series in fifth place.
Bychkova also had a two-year relationship with fellow Strictly professional Kai Widdrington. The couple separated in 2024 but both continued appearing on the programme during its 2025 series. Kai is due to return for the 2026 season.
When the BBC announced Bychkova’s departure, it praised her contribution to the show and described her as a valued part of its history.
“Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom,” the broadcaster said, adding that she would “always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.”
