Dan Walker says he’s ‘gutted’ that ‘talented’ Nadiya Bychkova has been left without a celebrity partner for new series of Strictly: ‘It’s like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup final!’
Dan Walker has voiced his support for his former dance partner Nadiya Bychkova after she was left without a celebrity partner for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Ukrainian professional dancer, 34, joined the show back in 2017 and has had a celebrity partner every year since.
However BBC bosses have not partnered her with a famous partner this year, reportedly leaving her ‘seething’.
Now her former partner Dan, 46, has sung her praises in the wake of the snub and said he was ‘gutted’ she wasn’t competing this year, naming her ‘the best teacher’.
The television presenter was partnered with Nadiya for the nineteenth series of the show and they reached Week 11, coming fifth.
Friend: Dan Walker has voiced his support for his former dance partner Nadiya Bychkova after she was left without a celebrity partner for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing (pictured last month)
Missing out: The Ukrainian professional dancer, 34, joined the show back in 2017 and has had a celebrity partner every year since but was snubbed this series (pictured with Dan in 2021)
Gushing: Now her former partner Dan, 46, has sung her praises in the wake of the snub and said he was ‘gutted’ she wasn’t competing this year, naming her ‘the best teacher’
‘I’m sure she’s still looking forward to being part of the biggest show on TV but it feels a bit like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup final!’
Dan gushed: ‘She is so talented, the best teacher anyone could hope for, a top class lobster & she’s the Yorkshire Barmaid!’
He added that he was supporting ‘the A Team’ this series, rooting for Angela Scanlon, Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington, Adam Thomas or Annabel Croft to win.
According to The Mirror, Nadiya is ‘fuming’ and crushed that she will miss the chance to lift the glitterball trophy this year.
A source said: ‘Nadiya lives and breathes Strictly, and so to hear that she wouldn’t have a celebrity partner this year was crushing for her.
‘She was both gutted, and very, very angry. She has come to terms with it over the past few weeks, and will do her best to support Kai during the series. But it was devastating news for her.’
It comes after Nadiya missed this years Strictly Come Dancing live tour and instead hit the road with beau Kai Widdrington, 28, for their own show, Once Upon A Time.
The couple, who have been dating since January last year, said they are living the ‘dream fairytale’ after falling in love on the dancing show.
Full of praise: Dan gushed: ‘She is so talented, the best teacher anyone could hope for, a top class lobster & she’s the Yorkshire Barmaid!’
Grew close: The television presenter was partnered with Nadiya for the nineteenth series of the show and they reached Week 11, coming fifth
They told MailOnline that their romance is ‘incredibly special’ because the chemistry they share on stage is real.
In an exclusive interview, Nadiya and Kai revealed despite public misconception, they are yet to take their year-long relationship to the next level and move in together as they admit it is ‘difficult’ being under the watchful gaze of their loyal fanbase.
Nadiya, who shares daughter Mila with ex-fiancée Matija Škarabot, explained that it took herself and Kai some time to establish their feelings for each other, while Strictly viewers were keen to discover if they had become the show’s first professional pairing to find love on the dance floor.
She said: ‘At the beginning we were still figuring it out for ourselves! It is easier now in the sense that everyone knows we’re together but having a relationship in the public eye is tough.’
Kai added: ‘Everything is scrutinised,’ before Nadiya continued, ‘But there are some positives, we get to do what we love, and create the show, so it’s how you balance it.’
The Strictly pros did everything possible to hide their new relationship when they first started dating in January 2022, admitting they would even go out ‘in disguise’ to protect their blossoming romance.
But now the couple have no reason to hold back. Kai said: ‘For us, we are living the absolute dream fairytale. We are trying to take it all in really.’
‘It is very special touring together because it makes it easier… we are together, we share everything together, and it’s very special,’ Nadiya revealed.
‘I remember the opening night when our tour all came together, and I was like “wow” it’s an incredible moment and we got to share it together. It is rare.’
Couple: It comes after Nadiya missed this years Strictly Come Dancing live tour and instead hit the road with beau Kai Widdrington, 28, for their own show, Once Upon A Time
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
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