Nadiya Bychkova Axed from Strictly Come Dancing
What does Nadiya Bychkova’s recent axing from Strictly Come Dancing signify for the show’s future? After eight years on the program, Bychkova has been dropped, prompting discussions around ageism in the entertainment industry.
Friends of the 36-year-old dancer have voiced their concerns, stating, “Her axing smacks of ageism.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the treatment of older performers in competitive dance shows.
Reportedly devastated by the news, Bychkova’s emotional response highlights her deep connection to the show, which she joined in 2017. A source close to her revealed, “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.”
During her time on the show, Bychkova partnered with several celebrities, including rugby player Chris Robshaw in the 2025 series. Despite her accomplishments, which include being a five-time World Champion, she has never reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing.
The decision to drop Bychkova is part of a larger overhaul of the show, which has seen significant changes following various controversies. Notably, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have also stepped down from their presenting roles.
Neil Jones, another professional dancer on the show, has missed out on a celebrity partner for the fourth consecutive year, raising questions about the selection process for the upcoming season.
In a show of resilience, Bychkova celebrated International Women’s Day shortly before the announcement, sharing a video of herself dancing and stating, “Celebrating women today and every day. The strength, the joy, the resilience and the beautiful way we lift each other up.”
As for what lies ahead, Nadiya Bychkova is reportedly in talks about possibly working behind the scenes on choreography, although details remain unconfirmed.
Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course, according to a BBC representative, leaving fans eager to see how these changes will impact the beloved show.
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