Nadiya Bychkova has broken her silence for the first time on being ‘axed’ from Strictly Come Dancing after a string of pros were dropped in a cast bloodbath.
BBC fans have been left stunned in recent weeks as favourites Nadiya, 36, Karen Hauer, 43, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35, have all been given the boot.
Now in a new statement, Nadiya has detailed how her role as a professional dancer on the hit BBC series is ‘evolving’ after nine years on the show.
She wrote: ‘After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving.
‘There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people’s lives and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks and those who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series.
‘I also want to take a moment to appreciate all those who have helped me along the way: my partners, my fellow professionals, the judges and brilliant people behind the scenes.’
Nadiya Bychkova has broken her silence for the first time on being ‘axed’ from Strictly Come Dancing after a string of pros were dropped in a cast bloodbath
In a new statement, Nadiya has detailed how her role as a professional dancer on the hit BBC series is ‘evolving’ after nine years on the show
She continued: ‘I joined the show as an athlete and a double world champion. Along the way I have learned so much about myself and other people. I have grown, not only professionally, but personally and creatively.
‘Strictly has allowed me to discover new sides of myself, develop new skills, and evolve as an artist in ways I will always be grateful for.’
Nadiya revealed she is ‘excited’ to still be part of the ‘Strictly world for many years to come’ in new way she is currently busy exploring.
She continued: ‘This isn’t the end… I look forward to being part of the Strictly world for many years to come in ways I am beginning to explore.
‘I’ve changed a lot since I first stepped onto that dance floor, not just as a performer, but as a person and I can honestly say I’ve never felt more like myself.
‘I’m excited to have time to focus on new projects, and to spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter. Life feels full of possibilities.
‘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’.
Following Nadiya’s announcement the official BBC Strictly Instagram account shared a statement thanking the Ukrainian ballroom star.
They penned: ‘We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing.
‘Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry, and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.
‘Over the years, Nadiya has delivered countless memorable performances, showcasing not only her exceptional talents as a dancer and choreographer but also her brilliance as a teacher to all her celebrity partners.
‘A consummate professional, Nadiya embodies the very best of what Strictly stands for. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to the show and wish her every success for the future.’
Nadiya revealed she is ‘excited’ to still be part of the ‘Strictly world for many years to come’ in new way she is currently busy exploring
Several of Nadiya’s co-stars and friends shared their support to her in the comments including Amy Dowden, Helen Skelton, Gemma Atkinson, Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez.
It comes after sources claimed that Strictly bosses judge some pros’ following on TikTok when decided which stars would be axed in the show’s mass cull.
Sources claimed on Monday that bosses have chosen to keep pros with a bigger online following in a desperate bid to draw in younger viewers.
Now its been claimed those with bigger online followings have been chosen over dancers who are not so TikTok friendly as the series tries desperately to attract a younger audience.
One example appears to be axed Nadiya who boasts 19,000 followers, while Dianne Buswell, also 36, with 966,000 followers has kept her place in the line-up.
Karen, who was Strictly’s longest-serving female dancer, is a similar story with her 9,000 followers while safe newcomer Alexis Warr, 25, has a whopping 190,000.
A source said: ‘Strictly is always looking for ways to increase its audience in terms of volume, but also in terms of attracting new, young viewers.
They told The Sun: ‘Social media is a massive part of broadening that appeal, and TikTok is the perfect medium for a show where music and dance is at the forefront.
‘They won’t simply lose someone from the line up because they aren’t big on TikTok, but it might just be the thing that saves them from exiting the line-up.’
Meanwhile Fleur East and Janette Manrara have also reportedly been axed from Strictly Come Dancing’s spin-off It Takes Two.
Insiders say bosses are plotting a major revamp of the BBC Two weeknight show in the wake of a string of scandals that have rocked the franchise.
Former Strictly pro Janette, 42, took over hosting duties in 2021 after eight years on the main show, while pop star Fleur, 38, joined the line-up in 2023 after reaching the final the year before.
Several of Nadiya’s co-stars and friends shared their support to her in the comments including Amy Dowden, Helen Skelton, Gemma Atkinson, Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez
But now both stars are said to be in the firing line as executives push for a bold new direction.
‘Fans will be stunned that this bloodbath is continuing, but bosses are determined to overhaul the show completely,’ an industry source told The Sun.
‘Nobody feels safe right now and there’s a real drive behind the scenes to usher in a fresh era after all the recent drama.
‘But the priority is a clean slate by September and putting distance between the show and the controversies of recent years.’
The source added actions taken by BBC bosses do not mean Janette and Fleur ‘are out of the picture entirely’ and that there could be other roles for them ‘elsewhere’.
Sources suggest bosses are aiming for an entirely fresh start following years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers.
Elsewhere, Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner on the show, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34.
It’s believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers.
