Axed Strictly star Nadiya Bychkova in talks to return to ballroom
She's also commented on the new hosts!
Last updated 7 hours ago
The ballroom’s golden girl has finally spoken! After months of speculation, Nadiya Bychkova has opened up about her exit from Strictly Come Dancing, the emotional whirlwind that followed, and what’s next for the Ukrainian dance star.
Behind the glitter and glamour is a story of closure, new beginnings - and a hint that she might not be gone for good! Here's everything we know about her potential return...
Who is Nadiya Bychkova?
Nadiya joined Strictly in 2017, quickly becoming a fan favourite during her nine-year run. Paired initially with EastEnders’ Davood Ghadami, she later danced with celebs including Lee Ryan, David James, Dan Walker and Matt Goss.
Known for her precision, passion and infectious joy, Nadiya earned a reputation as one of the show’s most talented professional dancers.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 2026: Which celebs are rumoured?
Why did she leave Strictly Come Dancing?
Speaking to HELLO! Magazine, Nadiya described her departure as emotional but philosophical: "Life has its way of guiding you and finishing things when they need to be finished". The exit came amid Strictly’s major casting shake-up, surprising many fans.
While she hasn't named a specific reason, Nadiya framed it as the natural end of a chapter, and the start of something exciting.
Is she returning to Strictly?
When asked if she would consider returning to the BBC reality show, she said: "Absolutely."
"It is absolutely (on the cards)," she confirmed. "We are talking about, hopefully in the future, me coming and choreographing some of the pro numbers. The team have known for years how passionate I am about creating things and choreographing. Lots of producers came to watch shows that I did myself.
"This is the natural thing to do, because of what I love and what I want to do. It would be beautiful to see some of my creations and stories (that) I want to tell through dance on Strictly one day."
She also praised the new hosting trio - Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe- calling them "fresh and exciting". "It’s lovely to see Johannes stepping into such a big role", she added.
For now, Nadiya is cherishing her first August free from the show to spend with daughter Mila, who’s already winning dance competitions. But don’t count her out of the glitterball just yet!
Check out the potential celebs rumoured to enter the Strictly ballroom:
Lacey Turner
Reports are rife that EastEnders actress Lacey Turner is being lined-up to appear on the upcoming series. An insider said: "Strictly bosses are delighted to snap Lacey up for the series, especially as she has such a huge fan base from her time on the soap.
"She's down to earth and viewers will be excited to get to know her personality away from Albert Square. She has loved having some quality time off screen to focus on parenting, but feels like now is the perfect time to learn to dance and try something different before she reprises her role in EastEnders."
Dani Dyer
Reality star Dani Dyer was set to take part in the 2025 series, but she was forced to pull out just days ahead of the first live show after fracturing her ankle in training. Appearing as a guest on GK Barry's Saving Grace podcast on 30th April 2026, Dani admitted she would like to participate in the reality dance series this year.
In May 2026, rumours were rife that Dani has now signed up for the 2026 series!
Delta Goodrem
As well as representing Australia at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, reports are rife Delta Goodrem has very nearly signed up for Strictly later in the year. A source told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "It is all but a done deal. They've been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show."
Josie Gibson
As well as landing a brand new show with ITV/STV called How To Clean Up For Cash, former Big Brother star and This Morning presenter Josie Gibson is reportedly being lined-up for the 2026 series of Strictly.
A source told a national newspaper: "Josie has been on the BBC's radar for a while and they've not given up their pursuit. They're hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well. Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year's new-look show needs. Warm and engaging, she's just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans."
Jake Quickenden
Singer and TV personality Jake Quickenden has seemingly put his name in the hat for this year's Strictly! In May 2026, Jake got his fans talking when he shared a post on X which read: 'Has anyone who's done dancing on ice ever done @bbcstrictly just wondering'. Of course, Jake took part in Dancing On Ice in 2018, so could he be eyeing up a slot on Strictly?
Sarah Jayne Dunn
Former Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn hasn't been shy in expressing her ambition to take part in this year's Strictly. The actress has started a social media campaign where she's manifesting that she will get the call from bosses!
GK Barry
GK Barry a.k.a Grace Keeling, a social media personality, podcaster and presenter who first blew up on TikTok with lifestyle videos during university. She is best known for hosting the podcast Saving Grace and for TV appearances including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Loose Women, Love Island: Aftersun, The Weakest Link and The Last Leg.
Speaking on her podcast, Saving Grace, on 30th April 2026, guest Dani Dyer asked whether Grace would ever take part in the competition. Grace didn't give a definitive answer but hinted it could be a possibility - prompting one commenter to speculate: 'So Grace is doing Strictly this year ;)'. (sic).
Stacey Solomon
Another well-known name on this year's rumoured list is Stacey Solomon! Stacey is no strange to working with the BBC, with her show Sort Your Life Out now onto its sixth series, as well as her reality show Stacey & Joe airing last year. With the mum-of-five being a fan favourite, bosses will be keen to get her signature.
Tom Parker Bowles
Food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also known as Queen Camilla's son, was reportedly top of the BBC's wish list for the 2025 series. However, after Tom didn't appear on the line-up, could we see him on the 2026 series?