BBC bosses defend decision to drop professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova amid a backlash from her fans
BBC bosses defend decision to drop professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova amid backlash from her fans
She has built a strong following since joining Strictly in 2017, finishing fifth with Dan Walker two years ago.
So professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova might have expected a starring role in this year’s competition, alongside a celebrity contestant.
But the 34-year-old Ukrainian was shocked to hear that BBC bosses had no such plan for her. She will not be paired with any of the 15 household names competing and will instead be part of the general dance group.
Ms Bychkova had a series of conversations with the show’s top staff about the decision, which infuriated her fans. Some even suggested they would boycott the new series in support of Ms. Bychkova, a world ballroom and Latin champion.
And former BBC star Walker, who now presents Channel 5 news, said on social media that leaving her out “feels like Messi is on the bench for the World Cup final!”
Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova (pictured) will not be paired with a famous star in this year’s Strictly series
Nadiyah finished fifth when she was paired with Dan Walker in 2021
But BBC chiefs say there are many factors that determine whether a professional dancer is chosen to get a celebrity partner or not, including height and how many years they have been on Strictly.
Sources at the Corporation say that when this year’s stars and professionals met, there was no chemistry between Ms Bychkova and the male contestants.
One told the Mail: ‘Nadiya was very surprised when she heard she would only be part of the wider dance group. She felt like she had done well since joining the show, so it was a shock.
βShe wanted answers, so she held several meetings with the bosses so she could get answers. She accepts it now.’
Ms. Bychkova has won many fans over the past six years, but has enjoyed mixed fortunes on the show. Last year she only made it to week three with ex-Bros singer Matt Goss.
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment.
Strictly star Nadiya will be part of the general dance troupe this year. Pictured on September 7, 2023
Nadiya poses in the press room at the 2023 National Television Awards