Ex Strictly star says Neil Jones and Nadiya Bychkova should quit over celeb snub

23 September 2023 , 13:00

1066     0

Ex Strictly star says Neil Jones and Nadiya Bychkova should quit over celeb snub

Former Strictly pro Brendan Cole would have quit the show if he had been snubbed by the BBC like Nadia and Neil, he has revealed.

The professional dancer and Dancing with the Stars judge has weighed in after it was revealed that Ukranian native Nadia Bychkova wasn't paired with a celebrity this year. Fans were outraged when the two-time world 10 Dance champion didn't appear on the line-up, despite her real-life partner Kai Widdrington partnering with Amanda Rippon.

Nadiya, 34, was said to be "very angry" at the time and had to "come to terms" with what had happened. Fellow pro Neil Jones - who has just welcomed his first baby with partner Chyna Mills - was also dropped from the 2023 line-up.

But long-time Strictly star Brendan, who was on the show for 15 years, has said if he had ever been in the same situation, he "wouldn't have stuck around."

Speaking to The Sun, Brendan, 47, explained why he doesn't think it's fair: "If you're going to hire people, hire them. If you're not, don't hire them but to leave people in limbo and have them on a string – we say jump and you say how high – is not the way you do business in my world."

Strictly's Molly Rainford and Tyler West fuel romance rumours while on tour

Nadiya was "very angry" after Strictly bosses missed her out of the lineup (PA)

The Ukranian dancer has become popular since she joined the show in 2017 (PA)

With Nadiya and Neil only joining the group dances this year, Brendan believes it's a matter of respect.

He said: "You gain respect from people by giving them security and giving them a passion about their jobs, so for me, it's not the way I would behave but, it's a big show, they've got a lot to deal with."

Brendan added that he thinks it's "a shame" for both Nadiya and Neil.

And Nadiya, who was teamed up with Matt Goss last year, was 'crushed' to hear she was dropped from the show. A source revealed: "Nadiya lives and breathes Strictly, and so to hear that she wouldn't have a celebrity partner this year was crushing for her. She was both gutted, and very, very angry. She has come to terms with it over the past few weeks, and will do her best to support Kai during the series. But it was devastating news for her.

Neil Jones was also left out of the main lineup for 2023 (PA)

Nadiya broke her silence on the matter after the first episode aired. She told fans on Instagram: "I'm sure you'll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series."

She continued: "It is an amazing show to be a part of and I'm still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more.

"I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year."

Amelia Ward