Nadiya Bychkova of Strictly Come Dancing has voiced her unhappiness at not being paired up with a celebrity on this year’s competition.
Meanwhile, the professional dancer’s fans are outraged.
On Saturday night, the BBC show’s 2023 season premiered, with participants such as Zara McDermott, Layton Williams, and Amanda Abbington learning which dancers they will be paired with.
Despite being on Strictly since 2017 and having a celebrity partner for each series, Nadiya will not be competing for the Glitterball Trophy this year.
Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan, David James, Dan Walker, and most recently Matt Goss have all worked with the 34-year-old.
Writing on Instagram, she shared: ‘I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series. 🙏🏼.’
The dancer continued: ‘It is an amazing show to be a part of and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more. 🤍💫
‘I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year. 💃🏼.’
In the comments section of her Instagram post, Nadiya got a flood of support, including from enraged fans and her boyfriend, fellow Strictly star Kai Widdrington.
One fan wrote: ‘A very calm and professional response. I won’t hold back. Absolutely ridiculous from the BBC and ruined my Strictly this year. Gutted. Fuming.’
Another said: ‘Having spent much of the start of the year travelling the country with your UK tour seeing first hand the unbelievable amount of love and support there is for you I’m very sad to hear this.
‘Not only that, you are also one of the most talented dancers on the show! There will be many disappointed strictly fans tonight but there’s plenty more to come from you I know❤️.’
Kai added: ‘Always shining bright ❤️💎,’ while Nadiya’s former celeb partner Dan commented: ‘No one puts the Yorkshire Barmaid in a corner 💃🏼💃🏼Keep shining partner.’
Former Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse also shared: ‘Sending you love and hugs.’
A TV insider earlier stated that Nadiya’s lack of a celebrity partner was due to her height, claiming that she ‘would have towered over seven out of the eight male celebs in the competition’.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Source My Celebrity Life.