17 September 2023 , 13:27
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Much-loved Strictly Come Dancing pro Nadiya Bychkova has voiced her disappointment after failing to be paired up with a celebrity partner. The full line-up of contestants was revealed on Saturday night but many fans were quick to notice the pro missing from the ballroom floor.
The 34-year-old professional has been a frequent face on the show since 2017, after being partnered with a host of household names including Lee Ryan, David James and former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker. Sharing the news to her Instagram the dancer said: "I'm sure you'll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series.
"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."
Nadiya dancing with celeb partner Matt Goss last year (BBC/Guy Levy)The 10 Dance World Champion went on to wish her fellow Strictly pros and new celebrity couples good luck in the competition, despite missing out on the opportunity herself. Nadiya is yet to win the trophy with a celebrity partner, last year she was the fourth to be eliminated alongside celebrity footballer David James.
Former partner from the 2021 series, Dan Walker was one of the first people to show support on her Instagram post, as he commented: "No one puts the Yorkshire barmaid in a corner. Keep shining partner." This was backed by fellow Strictly pro and boyfriend Kai Waddington, who has been partnered with Angela Rippon this year, as he wrote: "Always shining bright."
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Former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse, whose sister Motse Mabuse is a judge on the show, shared she was sending 'love and hugs'. Fans of the BBC series were also quick to show support, many of whom were upset with the decision, "Me and my seven-year-old are gutted too... we waited all night to see who you were partnered with Nadiya", said one viewer.
Another watcher not in favour of the snub said: "No partner for Nadiya this year? She'll be free for added It Takes Two features then." Other fans shared that they felt sorry for her and other formerly featured pros who had been left off the list again this year, as one said: "Gutted for you and gutted for Neil AGAIN."
Fellow professional dancer Neil Jones has featured on the show since 2014 but despite his years of wowing on stage, he's only been partnered up with a celebrity twice. Once with former Lioness captain Alex Scott and with Nina Wadia. Neil's snub from a pairing comes as he is expecting his first child with Love Island fiance Chyna Mills.
Professional dancers included in this year's series include Dianne Buswell who has been partnered with Eastenders star Bobbie Brazier, Katya Jones and her celeb partner Nigel Harman, Graziano Di Prima with Love Island star Zara McDermott and Nikita Kuzmin who has been paired with actor and singer Layton Williams.
Reigning champion Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Giovanni Pierce, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Vito Coppolla and Lauren Oakley complete the professional list.