Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has expressed her disappointment at not being given a celebrity partner on this year’s series.
Last week, before the pairings on the new season of Strictly were made public, The Mirror cited an undisclosed “source” who claimed that the Ukrainian performer would not receive a celebrity partner in 2023, adding she was “both gutted and very, very angry” at the decision.
Following this weekend’s pre-recorded launch show, the Ukrainian performer spoke about producers’ decision not to pair her up with one of the stars on the new line-up.
“I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on [Strictly] this series,” she wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Sheadded: “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.”
Nadiya joined Strictly in 2017, and in that time has been paired with soap star Davood Ghadami, footballer David James and singers Matt Goss and Lee Ryan.
She previously went without a celebrity partner in 2020.
Also going out with a partner in 2023 is Neil Jones, who previously said: “I think this is going to be my eighth series, and I’ve had two partners on the main show. I would honestly say to you, I love when I have a partner, and I love when I don’t have a partner.”
Defending his role within the Strictly team, Neil added: “When you don’t have a partner, a lot of people think you just sit at home. But you really don’t.
“On Strictly, they make sure you’ve got plenty to do. We’re doing group numbers and music acts, we help out other pros.”
Michelle Tsiakkas has also not received a celeb partner for the second year in a row, while Lauren Oakley, who joined the cast in 2022, will compete on the main show for the first time alongside Channel 4 News’ Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
Check out all of this year’s Strictly pairings here.