Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly been plunged into turmoil after a dramatic clear-out of professional dancers left one of its long-standing stars heartbroken.
Nadiya Bychkova, who has been part of the BBC dance phenomenon since 2017, is said to have been dropped from the next series in what insiders are describing as a ruthless shake-up behind the scenes.
The 36-year-old dancer has become the fourth professional reportedly axed from the programme, following claims that fellow pros Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas have also been cut as bosses attempt to reinvent the beloved show.
The news appears to have come as a devastating shock for Nadiya, who only weeks ago spoke optimistically about returning to the ballroom. During an appearance at the TV Choice Awards last month, she admitted she was hopeful the producers would call her back for another run. She said at the time that she hoped to return to the dance floor after settling with her daughter in the UK full-time, adding: “I hope so, who knows, we’ll get the call later in the year.”
However, after reportedly meeting BBC bosses on Friday, Nadiya was informed she would not be returning as a full-time professional dancer — a decision that insiders say has left her deeply upset.
One source claimed: “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.
“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.”
Despite the difficult news, Nadiya appeared to maintain a brave public front. On International Women’s Day she shared a video on Instagram dancing beside a swimming pool while holding a champagne flute, moving to music by Bruno Mars. In her caption she celebrated “the strength, the joy, the resilience and the beautiful way we lift each other up.”
But behind the scenes, the dancer is said to be struggling with the sudden change. Some insiders have even suggested the decision may reflect a broader “out with the old, in with the new” approach being adopted by BBC bosses as they attempt to refresh the long-running series.
A source claimed that the decision had raised eyebrows, saying: “Her axing smacks of ageism. They’re clearing all the old crew out to make way for new dancers.”
Nadiya joined Strictly’s professional troupe in 2017 and quickly became a familiar face on the show. Over the years she partnered with a string of celebrity contestants including broadcaster Dan Walker, singer Lee Ryan, actor Davood Ghadami and Olympic swimmer Tom Dean. Her most recent partner was former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw.
Although she never reached the final during her time on the programme, Nadiya remained a popular performer and a regular highlight of the professional group dances.
Fans reacted with disappointment after the reports emerged. One viewer wrote that if the news was true they felt especially sorry for Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas because they had never really been given a chance to shine, despite delivering strong performances in professional routines.
The dramatic changes reportedly come as Strictly prepares for one of its biggest overhauls in years. The next series, expected to air in September, will also feature new presenters after long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down following the 2025 season.
The shake-up follows a turbulent few years for the programme. In 2023 actress Amanda Abbington accused her dance partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying during rehearsals, prompting a major investigation. Around the same time, Love Island star Zara McDermott accused her partner Graziano Di Prima of kicking her during training — claims he denied while apologising for the incident. Both dancers later left the show.
With several high-profile controversies and now a major cast overhaul, Strictly Come Dancing appears to be entering a new era — but for Nadiya Bychkova, the end of her nearly decade-long journey with the show has reportedly come as a painful and unexpected blow.
