All posts tagged: Nadiya Bychkova

Nadiya Bychkova breaks silence on Strictly Come Dancing exit

Nadiya Bychkova breaks silence on Strictly Come Dancing exit

Published by Daniella Wilson

Nadiya Bychkova is putting her best foot forward following her unexpected departure from Strictly Come Dancing. The Ukrainian ballroom star has been a firm fan-favourite for nearly a decade, making her exit amid the show’s recent casting shake-up a surprise to many. But in her first interview since the announcement, Nadiya tells HELLO! that she is not only embracing the bright side of this new chapter, but also planning a triumphant return to the ballroom. But more on that later. During our exclusive photoshoot on a beautiful spring day, she appears entirely carefree and joyous as she poses in London’s historic Chelsea Physic Garden. Yet, behind the radiant smile, she has surely had to navigate a whirlwind of emotions. So, how did she truly feel when she found out that she was being let go from Strictly? © Danny CravenNadiya Bychkova “In general, my mentality is that I think life has its way of guiding you and finishing things when they need to be finished,” she says. Clearly feeling philosophical about the decision, she adds: …

Gorka Marquez’s partner Gemma Atkinson shares real reason dancer quit Strictly

Gorka Marquez’s partner Gemma Atkinson shares real reason dancer quit Strictly

Published by Sam Flores

Gemma Atkinson has denied claims she forced partner Gorka Marquez to quit Strictly Come Dancing – and has shared his real reason for leaving the series. The Spanish star, 35, joined the BBC series in 2016, but won’t be returning for the 2026 edition. His exit followed a cast overhaul, which led to the departure of Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. However, Marquez’s decision to leave was his own – and was inspired by his young daughter Mia, not Atkinson, which has been claimed online. The former Hollyoaks actor, whom he danced with on the show back in 2017, said on Wednesday (6 May): “It wasn’t my decision, which I’d like to point out for everybody who messaged me on Instagram saying, ‘You’ve finally got what you want now.’” Addressing Marquez’s other job, as a judge on Strictly’s Spanish version Bailando Con Las Estrellas, Atkinson said: “When we were talking about it, we did include Mia. We said to Mia, ‘What would you rather Papa do? Would you rather he work …

Strictly Come Dancing ‘axes five pro dancers’ including longest-standing favourite in new series shake-up

Strictly Come Dancing ‘axes five pro dancers’ including longest-standing favourite in new series shake-up

Published by Sam Flores

Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly facing a major shake-up ahead of its next series, with several professional dancers said to be leaving the programme before it returns later this year. The reported changes follow a period of transition for the BBC ballroom show after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down at the end of the previous season. Producers are now believed to be considering a refreshed line-up as the series prepares to return to screens this autumn. According to reports, a number of long-standing members of the professional troupe may not be invited back as part of the overhaul. A source told The Sun: “There are major changes taking place with dancers having meetings about their contracts over the next few weeks. Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.” Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly facing a major shake-up ahead of its next series (BBC) The reported overhaul has also created uncertainty among the remaining professionals, with insiders …

BBC reportedly drops four Strictly professional dancers amid 2026 series shake-up – details

BBC reportedly drops four Strictly professional dancers amid 2026 series shake-up – details

Published by Daniella Wilson

The BBC has reportedly removed four professional dancers from the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up, according to reports by The Sun.  Among those apparently affected by the shake-up are professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30. HELLO! reached out to the BBC for comment, to which it issued the following statement: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.” While the show is entering a new era following the sad departure of its long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, it’s unclear just how much change is in store for the new season.  The professionals who have reportedly faced elimination from the show’s line-up have enjoyed varied success during their time on the programme. Who are the Strictly pros reportedly not returning? Hailing from Ukraine, Nadiya joined the series in 2017 and partnered with celebrities such as Davood Ghadami, Dan Walker, Matt Goss and, most recently, Chris Robshaw, with whom she came in 13th place.  © CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray BurmistonChris and Nadiya on the …