Nadiya Bychkova has allegedly been dropped from the lineup of “Strictly Come Dancing” due to reported tantrums. The Ukrainian dancer, along with Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, is said to have been removed as part of a major revamp for the upcoming season. Speculation also suggests that Karen Hauer and Katya Jones may be at risk of losing their positions on the show.
Sources indicate that Nadiya’s behavior behind the scenes, including off-camera outbursts and her breakup with Kai Widdrington, influenced the decision to remove her from the program. Reports suggest that her personal life and alleged backstage conduct were factors in the BBC’s choice to part ways with her.
According to insiders, Nadiya’s romantic relationship with Kai Widdrington was not well-received by show producers. Sources from MailOnline mentioned that Nadiya is known for being uncompromising off-screen and that her reaction to not having a celebrity partner in 2023 did not sit well with the show’s executives.
The show’s focus on competitiveness and achieving high standards has led to Nadiya’s departure, as her recent pairings on the show did not yield satisfactory results. The decision to replace her is aimed at improving the show’s performance with a new professional dancer.
After the departures of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the show is reportedly aiming for a fresh start in 2026 following a series of controversies. Tess and Claudia expressed gratitude for their time on the show in a joint statement, emphasizing their love for hosting the program.
Contrary to rumors of ageism, it is suggested that older dancers are actually preferred by show producers due to their larger fan base. The spokesperson for “Strictly Come Dancing” stated that plans for the 2026 season will be disclosed in due time. The Mirror has reached out to Nadiya for comments on the matter.
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