Former Strictly professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova was left furious after she was still made to work with a colleague on the dance show despite complaining to BBC bosses that they were ‘abusive’.
The Ukrainian star – who was dropped from the competition earlier this year – complained to three senior managers in 2024, asking them to intervene and keep her away from the person she claimed made her feel uncomfortable.
Friends of Ms Bychkova are questioning whether her allegations contributed to her being fired by Strictly in March amid a cull of four female professionals.
Despite writing to BBC bosses, she still found herself in close proximity to her colleague for Strictly filming despite giving reasons why she couldn’t be in their company.
Although the BBC offered to investigate the matter, Ms Bychkova was devastated to still have to deal with them.
A source familiar with the complaint told The Mail on Sunday that she believes the company has “turned a blind eye” to her claims, although the BBC’s then HR production director did write a lengthy response offering to carry out a formal review, which she declined – insisting they were not normalizing unacceptable behaviour.
The HR director also offered to speak to Ms Bychkova’s colleague and reportedly asked Strictly production staff to reduce the pair’s contact time, but she ultimately had to face the colleague.
The source said: ‘Nadiya wrote to them saying she was struggling with a certain person involved in Strictly and wasn’t happy with the response she was getting.
Former Strictly professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova was furious after she was still forced to work with a colleague on the dance show despite complaining to BBC bosses that they were ‘offensive’
‘She felt that her feelings had been trivialized and that the person’s behavior was normalized as a result. It was a terrible time for her. The BBC offered to launch a formal investigation but said the person should have been removed from her job.
‘There were several conversations, some verbal and some written, but Nadiya felt that not enough had been done.
‘The sad thing is that it was three women she wrote to. Then, literally a year and a half later, she was outed by Strictly bosses.
‘It was heartbreaking for her. She was distraught that she was suspended. That will obviously lead to the question of whether the two were connected.’
Ms Bychkova joined Strictly in 2017 and has worked with the likes of former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, ex-England goalkeeper David James and singer Lee Ryan.
She, along with fellow professionals Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk, were axed in favor of younger dancers who will make their debuts next month when the series returns.
The BBC said of Ms Bychkova at the time: ‘Nadiya brought elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always be a much-loved member of the Strictly family.’
It’s hoped the renewal will leave behind several behind-the-scenes scandals – including Graziano di Prima kicking his partner Zara McDermott and Wynne Evans’ controversial move to wrap his hand around Katya Jones’ waist.
Last year there were also claims that Strictly stars were involved in cocaine use, but an investigation found no evidence.
Last night a BBC spokesperson said: ‘While we do not comment on individuals or HR processes, issues raised with us are always treated seriously and appropriate action is taken.’
