Nadiya Bychkova has responded to rumours over why she was not paired with a star on this season’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The Ukrainian pro, 34, has already worked with celebrities like as Dan Walker, Matt Goss, and Davood Ghadami.
This year, however, the fan favourite has been benched, much to the chagrin of Strictly spectators.
It was previously claimed that Nadiya’s lack of chemistry with the contenders is the reason she doesn’t have a partner this year.
She wishes to make it clear that this is not the case.
Speaking to Mail Online, Nadiya – who is dating fellow pro Kai Widdrington – said: ‘It wasn’t the case that there was no chemistry between me and the dancers.
‘It’s just, obviously, the bosses’ decision.
‘Unfortunately, this year it was me who wasn’t picked.’
Nadiya, who has a kid with ex Matija Skarabot, said it’s ‘disappointing’ not to have a partner this series, but there are some benefits for her personal life.
‘I’ll be taking her to school,’ she shared.
‘Career-wise, I’m disappointed, but I get to spend more time with my daughter, which is beautiful.
‘I’m taking all the positives out of it.’
Nadiya has been overcome with emotion after receiving letters of support from Strictly fans.
‘There is so much love out there, and the public has been keeping me up,’ she added.
‘I have received so many kind words, and they have lifted my spirits.’
Nadiya’s comments follow an Instagram post in which she promised fans a ‘great’ series despite not being as active as she would want.
‘I just wanted to encourage you all today because that is what you have done for me over the weekend.🤍💫’, she wrote on Monday morning.
‘This is going to be a brilliant series of Strictly. I hope you all enjoy it and I’m looking forward to being part of the biggest show on TV. 🪩
‘Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to but the people we come across can make a big difference to our perspective, our mindset and the way we face the next day.’
‘Your kindness, love and care has really lifted my spirit and my soul so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. 🙏🏼💜’, Nadiya added.
In the meantime, her boyfriend Kai, 28, is dating former Come Dancing presenter Angela Rippon.
She is the oldest Strictly contestant ever, at the age of 78.
Another same-sex partnership this year is West End performer Layton Williams, who is paired with Nikita Kuzmin.
Strictly came to a stunning start last weekend, with the celebrities poised to make their formal dancefloor debuts next week in the first live broadcast.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.
