Nadiya Bychkova is reportedly feeling upset after rumors surfaced that she has been removed from the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, with allegations of “ageism” being a factor. Alongside three other individuals, including Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, the 36-year-old Ukrainian dancer is said to have lost her spot on the show as part of a significant restructuring following recent controversies.
There are indications that Neil Jones and Nancy Xu may not have celebrity partners for the upcoming season, although they could still participate in group performances, according to reports.
A source speaking to The Sun suggested that Nadiya’s departure from the show was part of a strategy to bring in new faces by replacing older talents, hinting that her age played a role in the decision. Despite being a fan favorite, Nadiya was described as shocked and saddened by the news, unsure about her future as Strictly Come Dancing has been a significant part of her life.
Nadiya joined Strictly in 2017 and has danced with various partners, including Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan, David Hames, and others. Injuries have plagued her time on the show, with incidents such as a back injury in 2025 and a broken thumb in 2024 during rehearsals.
Out of the four pros reportedly leaving, Nadiya was the only one with a partner last season, as Gorka was absent due to commitments on the Spanish show Bailando Con Las Estrellas, while Luba and Michelle were partnerless.
As the next series of Strictly Come Dancing, scheduled for September, approaches, the show is undergoing significant changes, including the departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The replacements for the hosting roles are yet to be announced.
The show has faced multiple scandals in recent years, including allegations of bullying and misconduct involving celebrities and professional dancers, leading to several departures from the show.
When contacted for a response, a spokesperson for the BBC mentioned that details regarding Strictly Come Dancing 2026 would be disclosed in due time.