Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova reportedly raised concerns with BBC chiefs after claiming a colleague on the hit dance show was “making her feel uncomfortable”. The Ukrainian ballroom star, who became part of the Strictly line-up in 2017 and confirmed her exit earlier this year, is said to have taken the matter to three senior executives in 2024 and asked for action to be taken.
According to The Mail, Bychkova allegedly requested that the unnamed individual be kept away from her after setting out the reasons she did not want to be in their presence. The complaint is understood to have been submitted in writing, but when BBC officials offered to look into the claims through an investigation and formal review process, the professional dancer reportedly chose not to proceed.
The BBC’s HR director at the time is said to have offered to speak directly with the colleague, while production staff were reportedly told to ensure the two were kept apart during Strictly Come Dancing work. Despite those measures, Bychkova is alleged to have still crossed paths with the person in question.
A source has since claimed that Bychkova believes the broadcaster failed to properly address her concerns and effectively turned “a blind eye” to what she had reported.
“Nadiya wrote to tell them she was struggling with a particular person involved with Strictly and she was not happy with the response she got,” an insider told the publication.
“She felt her feelings had been downplayed and that the person’s conduct was being normalised by them. It was a horrific time for her.”
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They continued: “The BBC offered to open a formal investigation but she felt the person should have been taken out of her orbit. There were several conversations, some verbal and some in writing, but Nadiya didn’t feel like enough was done.
“The sad thing is it was three women she wrote to. Then, literally a year and a half later, she was got rid of by Strictly’s bosses.”
The source added: “It was heartbreaking for her. She was distraught to be axed. Of course, that is going to lead to questions of whether the two were linked.”
A BBC spokesman said: “While we are not going to comment on individuals or HR processes, when issues are raised with us they are always handled seriously and appropriate action is taken.”
She was among five professionals to leave the show, alongside Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.