Strictly's Nadiya explains why she was snubbed over celebrity partner

20 September 2023 , 12:07

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Strictly's Nadiya shares real reason for partner snub amid bizarre rumours

Nadiya Bychkova has hinted at the real reason behind her Strictly Come Dancing 2023 'snub', after admitting she's 'very disappointed' to be missing out on a celebrity partner this year.

With the exception of Series 18, the Ukrainian ballroom dancer has appeared on every season of the BBC One reality show since 2017. Her previous VIP partners have included EastEnders star Davood Ghadami, Blue's Lee Ryan, English footballer David James, Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker, and singer Matt Goss. The 34-year-old's fans were left crestfallen, however, to learn that she would not be pairing up with anybody on this year's series.

Taking to her Instagram last week, Nadiya confessed she's "disappointed" by the news before confirming she would still be participating on the show in its group numbers. She elaborated on the show's decision at last night's Who Cares Wins awards, squashing bizarre rumours that she'd been snubbed over being 'too old' or 'too tall'.

Nadiya won't have a celeb partner on this year's Strictly

Nadiya shared the 'reason' behind the snub last night

"There is no reason, it's just the line-up of professionals is much bigger than the number of celebrities we have on the show," Nadiya told the Sun. "So I guess every year it's a bit different." She also said that she'd be giving all her support to boyfriend and fellow pro dancer Kai Widdrington, who has been paired with journalist Angela Rippon for this year's series.

"Everything goes towards him," Nadiya said, before adding, "It's going to be an amazing series, there is amazing talent and I'm sure there are quite a few surprises. Like last year with Hamza [Yassin], you didn't think of him being a winner, but slowly the nation just fell in love with him. So just see."

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Nadiya and Kai have been dating since 2021 (Instagram/nadiyabychkova)

Nadiya will be supporting Kai and his celeb partner Angela Rippon this year

Nadiya's former partner Dan Walker was one of the many people to offer kind words to the choreographer in light of the news, writing, "No one puts the Yorkshire barmaid in a corner. Keep shining partner." Kai also expressed his solidarity with his beloved beau, commenting, "Love and hugs" beneath her initial Instagram update.

Nadiya and Kai, 28, have been dating since 2021, after first meeting each other on the iconic reality show. The talented couple confirmed their relationship last year, after trying to keep their romance private for as long as possible.

“We knew that it would come out and that it would be a big thing, so we kept it private for as long as we could, which was both annoying and exciting at the same time," Kai later told the Sun.

Emma Dooney