Nadiya Bychkova makes surprise return to Strictly Come Dancing - months after being axed
Nadiya Bychkova was one of five professional dancers who were axed from Strictly Come Dancing this year.
Nadiya Bychkova has made a surprise return to Strictly Come Dancing - just months after being axed as part of a brutal cast cull.
Fans were devastated that the favourite was one of five professional dancers who got axed in March as part of a huge shake-up of the BBC's Latin and Ballroom dance show for 2026 following the departures of hosts Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, at the end of last year's series.
But on Friday night (02.10.26), viewers were thrilled to see Nadiya, 37, on an all-star panel alongside former contestants, singers Jay McGuiness, 36, and Kimberley Walsh, 44, on its weekday video podcast, It Takes Two, hosted by 42-year-old comedienne and Strictly Come Dancing alum, Ellie Taylor.
Taking to X, one supporter penned: "So nice to see Nadiya Bychkova back on #ItTakesTwo and still part of the #Strictly family.
"She was always full of kindness as a pro and hope to see more of her in the future, either as a permanent fixture on It Takes Two or maybe even a future contestant on #CelebrityTraitors (sic)."
A second follower typed: "Nadiya Bychkova, I’ve missed you diva 333 #ittakestwo (sic)."
And a third fan wrote: "So good to have Nadiya back."
Nadiya, who had been a pro on the dancing competition since 2017, shared her expertise in the world of dance ahead of the much-anticipated Movie Week on Saturday night (03.10.26).
Nadiya also revealed her excitement about seeing Katya Jones, 37, and YouTube star John Nellis, 33, perform their Couple's Choice routine to An Irish Party in Third Class from the 1997 blockbuster, Titanic.
And she, Jay and Kimberley will be back on It Takes Two on Monday (05.10.26).
Nadiya first joined Strictly in 2017 and was paired with former EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami, 44, going on to dance with the likes of Blue star Lee Ryan, 43, retired England goalkeeper David James, 56, musician Matt Goss, 58, and more.
Despite feeling "emotional" about her departure after almost a decade, the dancer is focusing on the positives.
In June, she told HELLO! magazine: "You do feel emotional about things that are ending, but it's a good emotion of carrying on with the next thing that is coming.
"I'm feeling very excited about new things, exciting projects - and, obviously, feeling incredibly grateful for nine years on the show."
Nadiya previously addressed her Strictly exit on social media.
The blonde beauty wrote on Instagram: "After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving.
"There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people’s lives and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks and those who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series.
"I also want to take a moment to appreciate all those who have helped me along the way: my partners, my fellow professionals, the judges and brilliant people behind the scenes.
"I joined the show as an athlete and a double world champion. Along the way I have learned so much about myself and other people. I have grown, not only professionally, but personally and creatively.
"Strictly has allowed me to discover new sides of myself, develop new skills, and evolve as an artist in ways I will always be grateful for. (sic)"
Nadiya, who has Mila, 10, with her 38-year-old ex-fiance, footballer Matija Skarabot, also offered an insight into her plans.
She wrote: "I’m excited to have time to focus on new projects, and to spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter. Life feels full of possibilities.
"I danced before Strictly, I loved dancing on the show and I plan to keep dancing for many years to come.
"Thank you for all the love and support along the way. (sic)"
As well as Nadiya, Karen Hauer, 44, Gorka Marquez, 36, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 31, were also axed from Strictly Come Dancing.
They have been replaced by British dancer Maddie Ingoldsby - who performed in a special one-off routine on the show with the programme's troupe 10 years ago at the age of just 11 - Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva and her dance partner, four-time Italian Latin Champion Cristian Priori, undefeated South African Latin champion Lethabo Monametsi, and Canada's Mark Karmalita.
