STRICTLY’S Nadiya Bychkova has turn into the most recent pro dancer to be axed — with claims the transfer “smacks of ageism”.
The 36-year-old Ukrainian has been given the boot after nearly a decade engaged on the BBC present.
It comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed that colleagues Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, have been all getting the boot.
Insiders mentioned it’s “out with the old, in with the new” as the Beeb clears out its veteran stars.
Nadiya had her assembly with bosses on Friday the place she was advised she was not being invited again to be a full-time dancer for this 12 months’s sequence.
A pal of Nadiya’s mentioned: “Her axing smacks of ageism.
“They’re clearing all of the previous crew out to make approach for brand spanking new dancers.
“Nadiya’s one of the most popular dancers so she can’t understand why she won’t be back. She’s devastated. The show is her life. She’s not sure what she’ll do next.”
It shouldn’t be the primary time the Beeb has come underneath fireplace for ditching older girls.
A report out earlier this 12 months discovered ageing females “disappear” from presenting roles.
Nadiya, whose previous celeb dance companions embrace TV host Dan Walker and Blue singer Lee Ryan, has had a rollercoaster time on the present.
Last 12 months she was hospitalised after struggling a again damage after a fall throughout rehearsals. In 2024, when she didn’t have a superstar associate, she broke her thumb practising a gaggle dance.
Her love life has additionally been speak of the present. She dated fellow pro Kai Widdrington, 30, for two years earlier than the pair’s “bitter” cut up. They haven’t remained on pleasant phrases regardless of nonetheless working collectively.
The cull at Strictly is continuous as Beeb bosses look to clean up the present.
No full-time contracts
We can even reveal that Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, is not going to have celeb companions this 12 months as they too have been dropped.
Nadiya’s one of the vital widespread dancers so she will’t perceive why she received’t be again. She’s devastated. The present is her life. She’s undecided what she’ll do subsequent
Friend of Nadiya
Sources say they won’t be supplied full-time contracts — however may seem in group dances.
Insiders declare the dancers have been saved in the dead of night for months. A supply mentioned: “Usually contract discussions would start on the finish of the 12 months however they have been saved ready till this week.
“There’s talk of even more dancers facing the chop. Everyone is petrified for their future.”
The present is eager to begin with a clear slate come September, distancing itself from previous dramas.
“The new presenting duo is but to be introduced after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left on the finish of final 12 months.
A Strictly spokesman mentioned: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.”
