Strictly Come Dancing’s Nadiya Bychkova has been AXED from the pro line-up after almost a decade on the show.
It comes as bosses are doing a mass cull of their pro dancers in a major shake up ahead of the new series after a series of scandals.
Long-running castmembers Gorka Marquez, 35, and Luba Mushtuk, 36, have also been purged as well as relative newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas, 30.
Ukrainian ballroom dancer Nadiya, 36, had her meeting with bosses on Friday and is said to be “gutted”. It comes after she has had partnerships with Dan Walker and Lee Ryan, but failed toever make the final.
A source said: “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. No one was expecting producers to chop so many professionals.
“Especially someone like Nadiya, who’s shown so much dedication to the show over the years. There’s a super weird feeling among the rest of the pros now, they’re all wondering if they’re safe and everyone’s nervous.”
Producers want a “fresh start” for the BBC1 show with new presenters also set to be announced soon, after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have also left in December.
Long-running Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals – including claims of drug taking and abusive behaviour towards contestants by pro dancers.
The BBC said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
