Strictly star 'seething' as she's ditched as pro partner in new series
Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova will not be given a celebrity partner this year - and is said to have been left 'seething' at the decision as show bosses boost security after 'obsessed' fans targeted some of the dancers.
The professional dancer, 34, who is dating fellow pro Kai Widdrington, will now miss out on a chance at the glitterball trophy for the first time since joining the BBC show in 2017. And after the launch show was filmed on Wednesday, Nadiya took to Instagram to like a message in which a fan accused bosses of “treating her like c***”.
A source said: “Nadiya lives and breathes Strictly, and so to hear that she wouldn’t have a celebrity partner this year was crushing for her. She was both gutted, and very, very angry. She has come to terms with it over the past few weeks, and will do her best to support Kai during the series. But it was devastating news for her.”
Earlier this week a fan posted a comment on Nadiya’s Instagram page, railing: “I can’t believe (they) treat you like c***. I thought this would finally be your year to get to the final and win. What’s wrong with you @BBCStrictly producers?” Liking the comment, Nadiya responded with a thank you and white heart emoji.
Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova is set to miss out on a chance at the glitterball trophy (Instagram/nadiyabychkova)
Nadiya is said to have been left 'seething' at the decision by Strictly bosses (PA)The pro dancer, whose was paired with Matt Goss last year, is thought to have been overlooked in favour of Luba Mushtuk - as only one taller female pro was needed for the cast this year. And while Luba has not had a celeb partner since 2020, she has been a staple of the supporting Strictly cast, and dances on the tour every year.
Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tour
Meanwhile Nadiya - who was seen looking glum at the National Television Awards after party this week - turned down a slot on Strictly Come Dancing Live this year and instead toured with Kai on their own joint tour.
The source went on: “Nadiya is a real favourite on Strictly but this year the bosses decided to shake things up and give Luba a chance instead. She has been a very loyal member of the supporting dancer cast over the years, and they felt she deserved to have her moment in the spotlight.”
A Strictly spokeswoman declined to comment, but a source added: “Whilst not every pro always dances with a celebrity partner, every single one of them is an equally valued and important member of the Strictly family.”
It comes as bosses boost security around this year’s contest after 'obsessed' fans turned up at the homes of two stars. Pro dancers Nadiya and Dianne Buswell have both had 'overzealous' admirers turn up at their home addresses.
It is understood neither star called police – but concern was further increased by threats sent to Jowita Przystal after she was linked to fellow dancer Giovanni Pernice. BBC bosses have now stepped in to increase the security detail at both Elstree Studios and a hotel used by the show’s cast.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
