Nadiya Bychkova is putting her best foot forward following her unexpected departure from Strictly Come Dancing. The Ukrainian ballroom star has been a firm fan-favourite for nearly a decade, making her exit amid the show’s recent casting shake-up a surprise to many.
But in her first interview since the announcement, Nadiya tells HELLO! that she is not only embracing the bright side of this new chapter, but also planning a triumphant return to the ballroom. But more on that later.
During our exclusive photoshoot on a beautiful spring day, she appears entirely carefree and joyous as she poses in London's historic Chelsea Physic Garden. Yet, behind the radiant smile, she has surely had to navigate a whirlwind of emotions. So, how did she truly feel when she found out that she was being let go from Strictly?
© Danny Craven"In general, my mentality is that I think life has its way of guiding you and finishing things when they need to be finished," she says. Clearly feeling philosophical about the decision, she adds: "When things are coming to an end, of course, it's emotional and you kind of go: 'Oh.' Like, this is the end of this chapter. So you do feel those emotions you go through."
Nadiya joined the series in 2017, when she was paired with the EastEnders star Davood Ghadami, and went on to dance with stars such as the singer Lee Ryan, the footballer David James, the journalist Dan Walker and the musician Matt Goss.
"You do feel emotional about things that are ending, but it's a good emotion of carrying on with the next thing that is coming," she says. "I'm feeling very excited about new things, exciting projects – and, obviously, feeling incredibly grateful for nine years on the show."
© Danny CravenNew direction for Strictly
As well as touring with a new live dance show, Jukebox Idols, with the vocal group The Overtones, Nadiya also lets slip that conversations with Strictly producers are still being held, despite her exit. When asked if she would consider returning to the BBC show – which will be hosted from next season by the presenter Emma Willis, the comedian Josh Widdicombe and the Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe – Nadiya tells us: "Absolutely."
"It is absolutely [on the cards]," she adds. "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."
© Danny Craven.When it comes to the show’s new hosts, Nadiya believes the trio will "bring something really fresh and exciting to the show," adding that she is proud of Johannes.
"It’s lovely to see Johannes stepping into such a big role. I think audiences connect with him because he brings warmth, authenticity and joy. Honestly, I think it’s wonderful when dancers are given opportunities to grow beyond just one role. We all evolve creatively."
Nadiya’s only advice for the newcomers is to be present and enjoy the ride. "I’m not a presenter, so it’s not for me to give advice," she says. "But it’s genuinely such a brilliant, huge piece of TV and it’s incredible to be part of it."
In the midst of all the change, Nadiya reveals that she made lifelong friends on Strictly, including its former hosts, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
© BBC"You create such amazing connections with people you've been working for," Nadiya says of keeping in touch with the pair. "I've been working with both of them for nine years; you grow close. We're reaching out to each other all the time.
"Claudia's been amazing with The Traitors and her own show, and Tess has been incredible doing her new things and being a designer and hosting other things. [We’re supporting] each other and celebrating."
She also remains close to The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, who competed in Strictly in the same year Nadiya began her run on the show. "She's my best friend and we’re like family, so this is definitely one of the beautiful gifts that the show gave me," Nadiya says, and adds she's still close to Aljaž Škorjanec.
© Danny CravenFamily life
In April 2022, Nadiya confirmed that she was in a relationship with her Strictly co-star Kai Widdrington. Although they are no longer together, she prefers not to discuss her romantic life, except to say that it was something she “navigated professionally” during her time on the show.
© BBC/Guy LevyIf there is a silver lining to Nadiya’s unexpected Strictly exit, it is the precious time it has given her to focus on her favourite role: being a mother. She is clearly relishing every extra moment spent with Mila, her daughter with her former fiance, the Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot.
"I will have the first August with my daughter," she says happily. "Mila is nine years old and I have been on the show for nine years. So August has been one of the toughest months, because it’s when we would prepare all the group numbers and it was full-on, but it would be the summer holidays for Mila, and then she would start school."
Mila is already following in her mother’s footsteps, competing and winning dance competitions, and Nadiya says that she would love to see a full-circle moment if her daughter one day joined Strictly, especially if there was a junior spin-off.
© Instagram"If it’s something she would want to do, absolutely, yes, I would support that," she says, adding that her daughter has grown up with the show. "It was lovely to see her falling in love with Strictly. She's dancing now and she loves it."
Mila recently competed in a dance competition in Blackpool and reached the final. "It’s so special. It opens up creativity in her and it’s just wonderful," Nadiya says.
Will Nadiya still be watching Strictly when it returns this year? "I don’t know if I’ll have time to watch it," she laughs. "But I’ll watch it on catch-up with Mila. It’s a big part of my family life, and it's a big part of my life and a big chapter. So absolutely, I'll be tuning in."
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