Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has spoken out about complaints she made to the BBC in 2024 regarding alleged abusive behaviour by a colleague on the show. Bychkova, who was dismissed from the competition earlier this year as part of a wider reduction involving four female dancers, had reportedly requested that BBC executives intervene to prevent her from having to work alongside the individual she said made her feel uncomfortable.
According to sources close to Bychkova, she communicated her concerns to three senior BBC figures, seeking protection from ongoing contact with the colleague in question. Despite these complaints, she continued to encounter the person during Strictly recordings, causing significant distress. While the BBC offered to investigate the matter, Bychkova declined a formal review and expressed frustration that sufficient measures were not taken to keep her away from the colleague.
A source familiar with the situation described Bychkova’s experience as "a horrific time," claiming that the corporation appeared to downplay her feelings and normalize the alleged unacceptable conduct. The BBC’s then HR director of production reportedly sent a detailed response and proposed reducing interactions between Bychkova and the colleague. However, these efforts did not eliminate their contact.
The timing of Bychkova’s departure from Strictly has prompted speculation about a possible connection between her complaints and her removal from the show. She was among four professional female dancers, including Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk, who were let go ahead of the next series, which is set to introduce several new, younger professionals. The BBC has described Bychkova as having brought “elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication” to the program and confirmed she would remain “a cherished member of the Strictly family.”
Bychkova joined Strictly in 2017 and partnered with various notable celebrities over the years, such as former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, ex-England goalkeeper David James, and singer Lee Ryan.
The upcoming revamp of Strictly aims to move past various controversies that have affected the show in recent years. These include incidents involving cast members’ behaviour, such as Graziano di Prima’s altercation with partner Zara McDermott and Wynne Evans’s disputed actions toward Katya Jones. There were also allegations last year of drug use among cast members, though a BBC investigation found no evidence to support these claims.
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on individual cases or human resources matters but emphasized that all issues raised are treated seriously and addressed with appropriate action.