EXCLUSIVE: Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova hauls BBC bosses into a meeting as she demands to know why she wasn’t given a celebrity partner
Strictly Come Dancing’s Nadiya Bychkova hauled BBC bosses into a meeting after learning she hadn’t been given a celebrity partner for this year’s series.
The Ukrainian dancer, 34, was thought to be one of the first professionals that chiefs would pair for a main role in the competition, so she was left cross and bereft when she realised she wasn’t.
She wanted to know why she didn’t have a partner and held a series of discussions with the show’s most senior staff.
Fans have been left furious at the BBC’s decision to not give her one of their 15 celebrities to dance with, but BBC bosses have hit back saying that there are many factors which determine whether a pro dancer is chosen to be given a celebrity partner or not.
Sources at the corporation say that when the stars and pros met, there was no chemistry between Ms Bychkova and the male contestants.
Wanting answers: Strictly Come Dancing ‘s Nadiya Bychkova hauled BBC bosses into a meeting after learning she hadn’t been given a celebrity partner for this year’s series
Shock: The Ukrainian dancer, 34, was thought to be one of the first professionals that chiefs would pair for a main role in the competition, so she was left cross and bereft when she realised she wasn’t (pictured with 2021 partner Dan Walker)
Their decision to leave her out prompted her 2021 partner Dan Walker to say on social media that leaving her out ‘feels like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup final!’
One told the Mail: ‘Nadiya was very surprised when she learned she would merely be part of he wider dance troupe. She felt like she had done well since she joined the show so it was a shock.
‘She wanted answers so she held several meetings with the bosses so she could get some answers. She is accepting it now.’
Insiders at the BBC insisted that there are ‘various factors’ which determine who gets a partner, they include height and how many years they have been working on Strictly.
Bosses are also furious with Mr Walker, the BBC’s former Breakfast and Football Focus host, for wading into the row. He was paired with Ms Bychkova in 2021 when they finished fifth.
Last year she only made it to week three with former Bros singer Matt Goss.
Nadiya, who started dating fellow pro Kai Widdrington, 28, after they met on Strictly two years ago, has built up a strong following since she first appeared in 2017.
Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their disbelief that Nadiya, a ballroom and Latin world champion, would be taking a backseat, with some suggesting they will stage a boycott.
Questions: She wanted to know why she didn’t have a partner and held a series of discussions with the show’s most senior staff
Oh dear: Sources at the corporation say that when the stars and pros met, there was no chemistry between Ms Bychkova and the male contestants (pictured with 2018 partner Lee Ryan)
Speaking out: Their decision to leave her out prompted her 2021 partner Dan Walker to say on social media that leaving her out ‘feels like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup final!’
Missing out: The Ukrainian star joined the show back in 2017 and has had a celebrity partner every year since (pictured in 2022 with Matt Goss)
Nadiya has enjoyed mixed success on the show but was a particular hit after being paired with Mr Walker when they finished in fifth place.
This year, she was widely expected to be paired up with East- Enders star Bobby Brazier, 20, left, who, at 6ft 2ins, required a tall pro like Ms Bychkova.
She will still take part in group dances at the beginning of the shows along with those pros who have got celebrity partners.
It comes after Nadiya missed this years Strictly Come Dancing live tour and instead hit the road with beau Kai Widdrington, 28, for their own show, Once Upon A Time.
The couple recently said they are living the ‘dream fairytale’ after falling in love on Strictly Come Dancing.
The pair, who have been dating since January last year, told MailOnline that their romance is ‘incredibly special’ because the chemistry they share on stage is real.
In an exclusive interview, Nadiya and Kai revealed despite public misconception, they are yet to take their year-long relationship to the next level and move in together as they admit it is ‘difficult’ being under the watchful gaze of their loyal fanbase.
Love: Nadiya, who started dating fellow pro Kai Widdrington, 28, (pictured together) after they met on Strictly two years ago, has built up a strong following since she first appeared in 2017
Missed: It comes after Nadiya missed this years Strictly Come Dancing live tour and instead hit the road with beau Kai for their own show, Once Upon A Time 9pictured)
Nadiya, who shares daughter Mila with ex-fiancée Matija Škarabot, explained that it took herself and Kai some time to establish their feelings for each other, while Strictly viewers were keen to discover if they had become the show’s first professional pairing to find love on the dance floor.
She said: ‘At the beginning we were still figuring it out for ourselves! It is easier now in the sense that everyone knows we’re together but having a relationship in the public eye is tough.’
Kai added: ‘Everything is scrutinised,’ before Nadiya continued, ‘but there are some positives, we get to do what we love, and create the show, so it’s how you balance it.’
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