Nadiya Bychkova Axed from Strictly Come Dancing
Why has Nadiya Bychkova been dropped from Strictly Come Dancing after eight years? The answer lies in a significant overhaul of the show, which has sparked accusations of ageism from her friends.
Nadiya, who is 36 years old, was reportedly devastated by the news of her axing. A source close to her stated, “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.” This marks a notable change for the dancer, who joined the show in 2017.
During her time on Strictly, Nadiya partnered with various celebrities, including rugby player Chris Robshaw in the 2025 series. Despite her impressive background, which includes being a five-time World Champion, she has never reached the final of the competition.
Friends of Nadiya have expressed their concerns, with one stating, “Her axing smacks of ageism.” This sentiment reflects a growing dialogue around age and representation in the entertainment industry.
The changes to Strictly Come Dancing are not limited to Nadiya. Neil Jones has missed out on a celebrity partner for the fourth consecutive year, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have stepped down from their presenting roles. These shifts indicate a broader transformation within the show.
In a show of resilience, Nadiya celebrated International Women’s Day by sharing a video of herself dancing, stating, “Celebrating women today and every day. The strength, the joy, the resilience and the beautiful way we lift each other up. And sometimes… a little dance along the way. Happy International Women’s Day.” This highlights her commitment to her craft, even amidst personal challenges.
Looking ahead, Nadiya is reportedly in talks about possibly working behind the scenes on choreography, suggesting that while her role on the main stage may have changed, her passion for dance remains strong.
Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course, according to a BBC representative. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of changes and how they will affect the show’s future.