Strictly Come Dancing announce ANOTHER professional will be leaving
It comes days after Karen Hauer announced she was leaving
Last updated 4 hours ago
Just days after Karen Hauer announced she would be leaving Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has announced the departure of another longstanding professional.
Sharing the shock news on Instagram, Strictly Come Dancing shared a photo of Nadiya Bychkova, the professional dancer who has appeared on the show for the last nine years, alongside a statement which read: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry, and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.
'Over the years, Nadiya has delivered countless memorable performances, showcasing not only her exceptional talents as a dancer and choreographer but also her brilliance as a teacher to all her celebrity partners.
'A consummate professional, Nadiya embodies the very best of what Strictly stands for. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to the show and wish her every success for the future.'
Nadiya has also taken to her own socials, telling her fans the news and revealing that: 'This isn’t the end… I look forward to being part of the Strictly world for many years to come in ways I am beginning to explore.'
Her full statement read: 'After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving.
'There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people’s lives and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks and those who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series.
'I also want to take a moment to appreciate all those who have helped me along the way: my partners, my fellow professionals, the judges and brilliant people behind the scenes.
'I joined the show as an athlete and a double world champion. Along the way I have learned so much about myself and other people. I have grown, not only professionally, but personally and creatively.'
She continued: 'Strictly has allowed me to discover new sides of myself, develop new skills, and evolve as an artist in ways I will always be grateful for.
'This isn’t the end… I look forward to being part of the Strictly world for many years to come in ways I am beginning to explore.
'I’ve changed a lot since I first stepped onto that dance floor, not just as a performer, but as a person and I can honestly say I’ve never felt more like myself.
'I’m excited to have time to focus on new projects, and to spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter. Life feels full of possibilities.
'I danced before Strictly, I loved dancing on the show and I plan to keep dancing for many years to come.
'Thank you for all the love and support along the way🤍'.
In the 2025 series of the show, Nadiya was paired with Chris Robshaw, an England rugby player. The pair were eliminated third from the show.
Rumours have been rife in recent weeks that a number of long-running pros will leave the show, with it being announced a few days ago that Karen Hauer has quit. The professional dancer had been on the show for 14 years.
This comes after it was announced last year that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would be leaving the show as hosts.
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to our screens later this year.
Now read:
Popular pro QUITS Strictly after 14 years on the show
All of the faces we'd like to see replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly
Everything you need to know about The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman