Nadiya Bychkova 'returning' to Strictly Come Dancing
Nadiya Bychkova was one of five pros axed from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year as part of a huge shake-up of the BBC show.
Nadiya Bychkova will reportedly return to Strictly Come Dancing as a regular panellist on It Takes Two.
Fans were thrilled to see the 37-year-old star on the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance competition's weekday spin-off show on October 2, months after she and four other pros were axed from the main Saturday night programme as part of a big shake-up.
And it is said that Nadiya, who was in the audience for October 3's live Movie Week special, is "really excited" about the idea of being back in the Strictly Come Dancing bubble.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Nadiya is a much-loved member of the Strictly family and the audience loved her appearance on Friday’s It Takes Two.
"She will be back on the show this Monday, and the BBC hope she will make more appearances during this series, as part of the new Monday and Friday panels."
The insider added: "Nadiya’s experience as a dancer and as a past pro on the show means she can give brilliant insight.
"She’s delighted to be back in the Strictly fold and is really excited about appearing on the panel again."
Nadiya was on an all-star panel alongside former Strictly Come Dancing finalists, singers Jay McGuiness, 36, and Kimberley Walsh, 44, on Friday's edition of It Takes Two, hosted by 42-year-old comedienne and Strictly Come Dancing alum, Ellie Taylor.
She shared her expertise in the world of dance, and will be back to give her insights alongside Jay and Kimberley on Monday (05.10.26).
During the October 2 show, fans flocked to X to share their delight in seeing Nadiya back on screens, as one 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 supporter typed: "Nadiya Bychkova, I’ve missed you diva #ittakestwo (sic)."
And a third follower wrote: "So good to have Nadiya back."
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 Come Dancing 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 as part of a big shake-up for 2026.
It came after Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, quit as hosts in December.
The five axed pros 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.
