Strictly Come Dancing’s Nadiya Bychkova has been AXED from the pro line-up after almost a decade on the show.

It comes as bosses are doing a mass cull of their pro dancers in a major shake up ahead of the new series after a series of scandals.

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Nadiya has been axed form the hit BBC dancing show
 

Nadiya Bychkova at the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour photocall.
The pro-dancer has been a fixture on the show since 2017Credit: Rex
 

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Long-running castmembers Gorka Marquez, 35, and Luba Mushtuk, 36, have also been purged as well as relative newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas, 30.

Ukrainian ballroom dancer Nadiya, 36, had her meeting with bosses on Friday and is said to be “gutted”. It comes after she has had partnerships with Dan Walker and Lee Ryan, but failed toever make the final.

A source said: “Nadiya is distraught. 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 nerv

Producers want a “fresh start” for the BBC1 show with new presenters also set to be announced soon, after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have also left in December.

Long-running Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals – including claims of drug taking and abusive behaviour towards contestants by pro dancers.

The BBC said: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”

Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals over the last few years, throwing the once picture perfect family show into chaos.

Amanda Abbington made allegations regarding Giovanni Pernice‘s “inappropriate behaviour” with her while they were partnered together in 2023.

An investigation was launched by the BBC, with Giovanni not being included in the 2024 line-up.

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Nadiya is one of four professionals to be axed by Strictly bosses
 

Gorka Marquez, a smiling man with dark hair, wears a sheer blue lace shirt and black pants, with confetti falling around him on a stage.
Fan-favourite Gorka Marquez is another Strictly pro that has been axedCredit: BBC
 

Luba Mushtuk, a professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, wearing a blue fringe and feathered dress, stands in front of a blue background with "Strictly Come Dancing" disco balls.
Likewise, Luba Mushtuk is another star who won’t be returning to the seriesCredit: BBC
 

Michelle Tsiakkas in a red, orange, and gold dance costume with feathers.
Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined in 2022, is another dancer to have been culledCredit: BBC
He vehemently denied her allegations of “abusive” and “cruel” behaviour, with the BBC investigation clearing him of the most serious accusations.

Additionally, Graziano Di Prima was given his marching orders following allegations of physical and verbal behaviour towards Zara McDermott.

It was claimed that he’d hit, spat at and kicked the Love Island star during rehearsals.

He admitted to kicking her by mistake but branded the other claims “vile and false”.

In 2024, the BBC introduced chaperones and new welfare measures to ensure the safety of the celebrities and professional dancers.

A chaperone is now present during each and every rehearsal, logging both positive and negative moments during the training sessions.

As well as a number of other scandals, the show has lost it’s presenters after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided to quit.

The long-running hosts announced their departures in October before their final appearances for last year’s series in December.

Nadiya Bychkova and Chris Robshaw dancing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Nadiya and Chris Robshaw exited last year’s competition after Week 4Credit: PA
 

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman posing in front of a shimmery purple background with disco balls.
Longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shocked fans when they quit as show presenters last yearCredit: BBC