Nadiya Bychkova has been dropped from Strictly Come Dancing after eight years, raising questions about the show’s evolving dynamics and treatment of its dancers.

Friends of Bychkova have accused the show of ageism, suggesting that her departure is indicative of a broader issue within the entertainment industry. At 36 years old, Bychkova’s axing has sparked discussions about age-related biases in competitive dance.

Reportedly devastated by the news, a source close to Bychkova stated, “Nadiya is distraught. The news came as such a huge shock as Nadiya’s life was Strictly and to find out she’s not been invited back as full time pro has really broken her heart.” This sentiment reflects the emotional toll that such decisions can have on performers.

Bychkova, who joined the show in 2017, has never reached the final, despite her impressive background, which includes being a five-time World Champion. She was partnered with rugby player Chris Robshaw in the 2025 series, showcasing her versatility as a dancer.

The decision to drop Bychkova comes amid a significant overhaul of Strictly Come Dancing, which has also seen the departure of long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. These changes may signal a new direction for the show as it seeks to address past controversies.

Neil Jones, another professional dancer, has missed out on a celebrity partner for the fourth consecutive year, raising further questions about the selection process for the upcoming series.

On a positive note, Bychkova celebrated International Women’s Day by sharing a video of herself dancing, stating, “Celebrating women today and every day. The strength, the joy, the resilience and the beautiful way we lift each other up. And sometimes… a little dance along the way. Happy International Women’s Day.” This highlights her enduring passion for dance, despite the recent setbacks.

As for what lies ahead, Bychkova is reportedly in talks about possibly working behind the scenes on choreography, indicating that she may continue to contribute to the dance community in a different capacity.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of Strictly Come Dancing and how these changes will affect its format and participants. Plans for the 2026 series will be confirmed in due course, according to a BBC representative.

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