Nadiya Bychkova’s former partner breaks silence after pro dancer’s shock Strictly axe

Nadiya Bychkova has amassed legions of fans since she debuted on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2017, but sadly, the Ukrainian pro dancer has been among those axed from the line-up.

Following reports, Nadiya confirmed this week that she wouldn’t be returning to the show. “After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving,” she told her followers.

The 36-year-old concluded: “I danced before Strictly, I loved dancing on the show and I plan to keep dancing for many years to come. Thank you for all the love and support along the way.”

The star’s post was met with plenty of supportive comments, especially from the dancer’s former partners on the show. Chris Robshaw, who was her final Strictly partner, said: “What a pleasure it was to dance with you partner.”

Tom Dean, who was eliminated first with Nadiya in 2024, added: “Amazing. Can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds,” while EastEnders star Davood Ghadami, who was her first celebrity partner, commented: “Can’t wait to see what’s next for you partner. This is just the beginning.”

She was also supported by Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker, with whom she formed a close bond when they danced together on the show back in 2021. The 49-year-old ‘liked’ the star’s post, which confirmed her departure.

Following the support from her fans, Nadiya took to her Instagram Stories, where she posted: “Deeply grateful for all the love and kindness. Thank you to each and every one of you. So many beautiful messages – I’m going through them all and will try to reply where I can.

“Just know… I see you, I truly appreciate you… my heart is full.”

Why are there so many departures?

Last year, fans were rocked when it was announced that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were leaving the ballroom competition, after having presented it together since 2014. Tess has been with the show since the beginning, while Claudia started presenting its sister show, It Takes Two, the following year, before joining the main show.

Since then, it appears that many other changes are coming in before the show returns later in 2026. Reports have claimed that up to five professional dancers could be axed, and alongside Nadiya, both Karen Hauer and Luba Mushtuk have confirmed that they aren’t returning.

© Guy Levy

Luba, who confirmed her exit on Friday, said in a statement: “With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing. I am deeply grateful for the past 10 years on this beautiful show! Thank you for the amazing opportunity and the unforgettable memories. It has truly meant the world to me.“

She finished by saying: “Now it’s time for me to follow my dreams beyond the show, and I’m excited for what the future holds. I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it for one last time. With all my love, Luba.”

© BBC

Also thought to be at risk are Gorka Marquez and Michelle Tsiakkas, and the latter has already quit the Pro Tour. It’s also been reported that Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be ‘benched’ for the upcoming series, meaning that they won’t be dancing with a celebrity partner.

A report has also indicated that there will be changes to It Takes Two, with presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East to be axed; however, in a statement, the BBC has said: “It is factually incorrect to claim that either [Janette or Fleur] has been ‘axed’,” adding that plans for the show will be confirmed in “due course”.