The ongoing restructuring of the long-running BBC dance competition Strictly Come Dancing has claimed another high-profile professional dancer, with Nadiya Bychkova reportedly leaving the show after eight years.
The decision forms part of a broader effort by BBC producers to refresh the format following a period marked by controversies and major personnel changes.
Bychkova, 35, joined the hit series in 2017 and quickly became a recognizable face among the professional dancers.
During her time on the show, she partnered with several well-known contestants including broadcaster Dan Walker, singer Matt Goss, actor Davood Ghadami, and former rugby union captain Chris Robshaw.
However, reports indicate that the Ukrainian dancer was not invited to participate in the latest
Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, an early sign that her role on the program may be ending. Sources close to the show say she has now been informed that she will not return to the ballroom when the series returns for its next season.
BBC Moves to “Refresh” the Long-Running Show
The departure of Bychkova is part of a wider overhaul within Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC is reportedly aiming to revitalize the program with new creative directions and potential casting changes following several challenging years for the franchise.
Producers are said to be exploring updates to both the on-screen talent and behind-the-scenes structure of the show.
This includes changes among the professional dancer lineup as well as upcoming announcements regarding presenters.
Longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are also stepping away after years fronting the popular BBC series.
Their exit marks the end of an era for Strictly, which has been a staple of British television since its debut in 2004.
The BBC has not yet confirmed details regarding the new presenting team or the full lineup of professional dancers for the upcoming season.
Several Professional Dancers Departing
Bychkova is not the only professional dancer leaving as part of the restructuring. Fellow dancer Gorka Márquez, who has been on the show for a decade, is also reportedly departing.
Márquez has been a prominent member of the Strictly cast and reached the competition’s final on three occasions.
The Spanish dancer first gained attention among fans when he formed a relationship with actress and presenter Gemma Atkinson after the pair met on the show in 2017.
The couple now share two children and host a successful podcast together.
Other professionals reportedly leaving include Luba Mushtuk, who joined the series eight years ago, and Michelle Tsiakkas, who partnered with Jamie Borthwick during the most recent season.
Despite these changes, there has been no suggestion that the departing dancers were involved in any misconduct.
Instead, their exits appear to be part of the show’s attempt to reshape its future direction.
Strictly Faces Recent Controversies
The shake-up comes after a series of controversies that have affected Strictly Come Dancing in recent years.
Two professional dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, previously left the show following separate allegations related to their conduct during rehearsals.
Pernice was investigated by the BBC after claims made by actress Amanda Abbington, his former celebrity partner, who alleged bullying behavior during training sessions.
While some aspects of the complaint were upheld, the situation prompted widespread discussion about the show’s working environment.
Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima departed after allegations that he had behaved aggressively toward reality television personality Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
The BBC subsequently reviewed safeguarding measures and rehearsal practices on the program in an effort to ensure a positive environment for both celebrities and professional dancers.
Nadiya Bychkova’s Impact on the Show
Although Bychkova did not win the competition during her time on Strictly, she built a loyal following among viewers and developed memorable partnerships with several contestants.
One of the most talked-about pairings came in 2021 when she was partnered with Dan Walker. Despite having no previous dance experience, Walker progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition.
After their elimination, Walker publicly praised his professional partner, describing her as someone who had transformed his experience on the show.
He credited Bychkova for encouraging him to step outside his comfort zone and embrace the challenge of performing live ballroom routines.
The emotional moment resonated with fans, with footage showing Walker becoming visibly emotional backstage after the result.
Future Plans for Bychkova
While her time dancing on Strictly may be ending, Bychkova may still remain connected to the show in some capacity.
According to reports, discussions are underway about the possibility of her contributing to choreography or other creative roles behind the scenes.
Bychkova is a highly accomplished ballroom dancer, having won multiple international titles during her competitive career.
Her expertise could allow her to continue shaping performances even if she is no longer appearing as a professional partner on the dance floor.
Outside of Strictly, the dancer has also appeared in media interviews, modeling projects, and live dance events across Europe.
With several familiar faces leaving the show and new presenters expected to be announced, the next season of Strictly Come Dancing could look significantly different from previous editions.
The BBC has said that details regarding the 2026 season will be confirmed in due course. For now, fans of the beloved dance competition will be watching closely to see how the program evolves following one of the most significant shake-ups in its history.
Despite the recent turbulence, Strictly remains one of the UK’s most popular television shows, attracting millions of viewers every weekend and continuing to play a central role in British entertainment culture.