Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova has been spotted enjoying a luxurious holiday in Turkey after news emerged that she will not return to the long-running BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing.
The 35-year-old ballroom star appeared relaxed and upbeat as she shared moments from her stay at the lavish Regnum The Crown — an exclusive resort known for attracting celebrities from around the world, including pop icon Jennifer Lopez.
The Ukrainian-born dancer, who joined the BBC show in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite, posted a sunny Instagram video showing her dancing poolside in a bikini while celebrating International Women’s Day.
Her post carried an uplifting message dedicated to women and resilience, suggesting she is embracing the next chapter of her career despite the recent shake-up at the BBC series.
Sharing the video with her followers, Bychkova wrote:
“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.”
The message quickly drew supportive comments from fans who praised the dancer for maintaining a positive outlook.
The glamorous getaway at the high-end Turkish resort — where suites can reportedly cost around £3,000 per night — offered a striking backdrop for the dancer’s celebration of empowerment and renewal.
Located in the popular Mediterranean destination of Belek in Antalya, the luxury property features private villas, multiple pools, world-class spa facilities, and beachfront views, making it a popular retreat for high-profile visitors and entertainment figures.
Bychkova’s holiday comes shortly after reports confirmed she will not return as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing when the show returns for a new season.
According to industry sources, the decision is part of a broader effort by the BBC to refresh the long-running entertainment program.
The revamp follows a turbulent period for the series, which has faced multiple controversies involving professional dancers.
Allegations of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour led to investigations involving former pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima. Both later left the show after the claims came to light.
Importantly, there has been no suggestion that Bychkova or several other departing dancers were involved in any wrongdoing.
Instead, insiders say producers are aiming for a broader reset of the show’s format and talent lineup.
Longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are also stepping away, with new hosts expected to be announced as part of the relaunch strategy.
During her eight-year run on the show, Bychkova partnered with several well-known celebrities and built a strong reputation for her choreography and performance skills.
Among her most memorable pairings was with television presenter Dan Walker during the 2021 season.
The duo made it to the quarter-finals before being eliminated following their tango performance.
At the time, Walker publicly praised his dance partner in an emotional tribute, saying she had “turned some lights on” in his life and describing her as an “amazing person.”
Their partnership became one of the standout friendships of the season, with Walker later seen backstage in tears as Bychkova comforted him after their exit from the competition.
The two have reportedly remained close friends since the show.
Over the years, Bychkova also danced alongside performers including singer Matt Goss, actor Davood Ghadami, and former rugby union player Chris Robshaw during the 2024 series.
Although her time as an on-screen professional dancer appears to have ended, reports suggest Bychkova may still maintain ties with the franchise.
Friends close to the dancer say discussions are underway about the possibility of her contributing to choreography or creative development behind the scenes.
Such a role would allow the five-time world champion ballroom dancer to remain connected to the program while pursuing other opportunities in television, performance, and live touring.
Several other professional dancers are also believed to be leaving as part of the overhaul, including Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Beyond her television career, Bychkova’s personal life has frequently attracted public interest.
The dancer shares a daughter, Mila, with her former partner, Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot.
She was also previously in a relationship with fellow Strictly professional Kai Widdrington.
The couple dated for around two years before reportedly separating in 2024, citing the challenges of balancing a relationship while working together in the demanding television industry.
Earlier this year, Bychkova spoke openly about modern dating, explaining that she prefers to take relationships slowly and is not interested in using dating apps.
“In general, it’s difficult to date nowadays,” she said in a recent interview. “It takes time to get to know someone properly. Whether it’s friendship, business or a relationship, I’m just taking things slowly.”
More recently, the dancer has been linked to stage actor Ian McIntosh, though neither has publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship.
Despite the disappointment of leaving a show that defined much of her television career, Bychkova’s recent social media posts suggest she is focusing on new opportunities and enjoying time away from the spotlight.
Her luxury holiday in Turkey, combined with messages celebrating resilience and empowerment, hints at a fresh start for the accomplished dancer.
Meanwhile, the BBC has yet to confirm the full lineup for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing. A spokesperson for the broadcaster said that plans for the 2026 edition of the show will be revealed in due course.
For fans of Bychkova, however, her latest posts make one thing clear: whether on a televised dance floor or beside a Mediterranean pool, she still knows how to command the spotlight.