Strictly Come Dancing Professional Nadiya Bychkova Breaks Silence After Missing Celebrity Partnership

Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has broken her silence after missing out on a celebrity pairing for the first time since her debut in 2017. Taking to Instagram after Saturday’s launch show, the 34-year-old mother-of-one expressed her disappointment in a lengthy message.

“I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series,” she wrote. Despite the setback, Bychkova remains positive and excited about her involvement in the show’s group numbers and performances with music acts.

According to Bychkova, she is looking forward to supporting her fellow professional dancers and wishes all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year. Alongside her written message, she shared a glamorous snapshot of herself wearing a golden outfit that included billowing trousers and a sequin top. Her flowing blonde tresses were styled in elegant ringlets, and she struck a poised pose with one arm raised in the air.

Support From Fans and Celebrity Partner

Nadiya’s fans were quick to show their support in the comments section of her Instagram post. Her former celebrity partner, Dan Walker, wrote, “No one puts the Yorkshire Barmaid in a corner [dancer emoji]. Keep shining partner.” Her boyfriend, Kai Widdrington, also expressed his admiration, saying, “Always shining bright” followed by a diamond emoji and a red heart.

However, fans were disappointed that Bychkova did not get a celebrity partner this year. One fan commented, “Absolutely gutted you haven’t got a partner this year,” while another added, “Nadiya, it’s not the same without your talent, beauty, and graceful routines. I think a lot of us are shocked that you are not partnered with a celebrity.”

Boyfriend Kai’s Dance Partner

While Nadiya missed out on a celebrity partner, her boyfriend Kai is set to take to the dancefloor with his partner, 78-year-old journalist and presenter Angela Rippon. The celebrity pairings were announced during the spectacular launch show, filled with surprises and glitter.

Tribute to Amy Dowden

During the launch show, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman paid a touching tribute to Amy Dowden, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy and unable to participate in this year’s competition. Dowden, referred to by the presenting duo as their “Welsh dragon,” was wished a speedy recovery.

Amy Dowden’s Cancer Diagnosis

Amy Dowden, a Caerphilly-born dancer, publicly shared her cancer diagnosis in May. In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Dowden revealed her positive attitude, stating that she has a good chance of returning to the dancefloor soon if she remains strong. She mentioned that she never expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer at her age and revealed that her mother had also battled breast cancer but at a later age.