12 September 2023 , 19:39
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The 2023 season of Strictly Come Dancing hasn’t even begun but there is already a huge amount of drama behind the scenes of the show - including professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova reportedly upset over being cut from the main line-up.
The 34-year-old Ukrainian dance star - who has featured in the roster of Strictly professionals since 2017 - is said to be fuming over the fact she has not been paired with one of the celebrities, leaving her relegated to backing dancer duties. Nadiya is reportedly so incensed by the snub that she has confronted show bosses directly to demand to know why she wasn’t matched with a star.
A string of celebrities were unveiled in recent weeks to be taking part in the 21st season of the long-running BBC dance competition - with Love Island’s Zara McDermot and EastEnders’ Bobby Brazier among the stars taking part. But with the new season staring in just four days, it seems behind-the-scenes dramas are overshadowing the show itself.
Show bosses reportedly try to match the celebrities with the dance professionals that they think have the best chemistry together. And it has been suggested that there was zero spark between Nadiya and the 2023 hopefuls - meaning bosses had no choice but to bench her for the upcoming season.
Nadiya Bychkova is fuming after being snubbed from the 2023 Strictly line-up (Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)
Nadiya has been part of the Strictly professional dancer roster since 2017 (PA)A source told the MailOnline: “Nadiya was very surprised when she learned she would merely be part of he wider dance troupe. She felt like she had done well since she joined the show so it was a shock. She wanted answers so she held several meetings with the bosses so she could get some answers. She is accepting it now.”
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The report also claims: “There was no chemistry between Ms Bychkova and the male contestants” - which prompted bosses to make the decision not to pair her with any of the male stars.
Mirror have contacted representatives of Strictly and Nadiya for comment on the claims.
It is just the latest scandal to hit the BBC show - days before the 2023 kick off. On Tuesday, news broke that there has been a severe security breach at the show after a crew member shared a photo of their show pass online - sparking fears fake passes could be created for overzealous fans or those with ulterior motives to make their way backstage.
A source told The Sun: “This was a huge security blunder. Having what the passes look like out there puts the celebrities at massive risk.”
They added: “Anyone could copy a pass and get access to the production putting the stars at potential risk of harm. It’s a massive security breach.” Meanwhile, a Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson refused to comment when approached by the Mirror. They said: “We don’t comment on security matters.”
Strictly Come Dancing begins on Saturday night at 6:35pm on BBC One.