Strictly Come Dancing appears to be undergoing a major overhaul in 2026, with another fan-favourite pro having reportedly being axed by BBC bosses.
The last series also saw Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman step down from their long-term presenting roles. While speculation rages on about who will replace the hosting duo, Strictly fans received a shock over the weekend with reports that four professional dancers have been given the cut ahead of the 2026 series.
Following initial reports claiming that Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas have all departed the show, a separate story from The Sun alleged that Nadiya Bychkova was the latest to receive news that she would not be making a return.
The Ukrainian dancer, 36, is said to have received the news in a meeting with BBC bosses on Friday (6 March) that allegedly left her “distraught”.
An insider told the publication: “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.”
The Independent has contacted Bychkova’s representatives, while a BBC representative said that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 would be confirmed in due course.
Bychkova joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, where she competed with the likes of Davood Khadami and Dan Walker. Her height – Bychkova is 5ft 8 – has meant that she has normally been paired with the tallest male contestants, and has never reached the final.
Despite the reported bad news, Bychkova put on a brave face on social media over the weekend, as she posted a video of herself dancing by a swimming pool to celebrate International Women's Day.
“Celebrating women today and every day,” she wrote. “The strength, the joy, the resilience and the beautiful way we lift each other up. And sometimes… a little dance along the way. Happy International Women’s Day.”
The other dancers reportedly getting the cut from Strictly 2026 have also been by fans. Spanish dancer Márquez joined the show in 2016, and reached the final twice with Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton. He met his fiancée, influencer and presenter Gemma Atkinson, on the show in 2017.
Russian pro Mushtuk became a Strictly dancer in 2018 and has competed on four series, while Cypriot dancer Tsiakkas joined in 2022 and has competed on just one series.
While none of the three dancers had a celebrity partner in 2025, they are all due to appear in the Strictly: The Professionals tour that kicks off in late April.
Bychkova, meanwhile, competed last year with Chris Robshaw, when the pair were the third to be eliminated.
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