Nadiya Bychkova Addresses Strictly Come Dancing Exit and New "Evolving" Role

Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova has officially confirmed her departure from the Strictly Come Dancing professional lineup after nine years.

In a statement released on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Ukrainian star described her journey as "evolving" and expressed deep gratitude for her time on the BBC show.

While she will no longer compete with a celebrity partner, Nadiya Bychkova teased that she would remain part of the "Strictly world" in new ways that she is just beginning to explore.

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The BBC’s official statement praised her "elegance, artistry, and unwavering dedication," specifically highlighting her brilliance as both a teacher and a choreographer.

This has led to widespread speculation that her new role may involve working behind the scenes as a dedicated choreographer or creative consultant for the upcoming 2026 series.

Nadiya Bychkova noted that she has grown significantly as an artist during her tenure and is excited to apply her skills to new projects and spend more time with her daughter.

Nadiya Bychkova’s exit is part of a significant "mass cull" of professional dancers as the show undergoes a major brand refresh.

Her announcement follows the departure of the show's longest-serving female professional, Karen Hauer, who also recently confirmed she is moving on after 14 seasons.

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Other professionals, including Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, have also reportedly been cut as producers look to introduce "fresh faces" to the ballroom.

This restructuring follows the high-profile exits of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the end of the 2025 season.

As the show enters this new era, executives appear focused on modernizing the format while retaining the core talent that fans have grown to love.

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By shifting experienced dancers like Nadiya Bychkova into creative or choreographic roles, the network can maintain her expertise while making room for new competitive pairings.