For fans of the long-running BBC competition series Strictly Come Dancing, the departure of a beloved professional dancer often feels like the end of an era. Earlier this year, Nadiya Bychkova, a staple of the show’s professional lineup, confirmed her exit from the series. After nine years of high-stakes competition and memorable performances, the 36-year-old dancer announced in March via Instagram that her journey with the program was evolving. While her time as a competing professional has concluded, Bychkova has now signaled that her relationship with the show may not be over for good.
In a recent conversation, Bychkova expressed that a return to the show, albeit in a different capacity, is “absolutely” on the cards. For a performer who has spent nearly a decade in the Strictly spotlight, the prospect of transitioning from the dance floor to the production side appears to be a natural progression. Bychkova noted that she has long held a passion for choreography, a skill set she is eager to bring to the show’s professional dance numbers in the future.
A New Creative Chapter
Bychkova’s interest in choreography is not a recent development. Throughout her tenure on the show, she often sought opportunities to create, with many producers attending her independent projects to witness her artistic vision firsthand. She described the potential move as a “beautiful” way to continue telling stories through dance, even if she is no longer competing for the coveted Glitterball trophy.
The dancer’s history with the show is extensive. During the 2021 season, Bychkova reached the quarter-finals alongside broadcaster Dan Walker, ultimately finishing in fifth place. Her final partnership on the show was with Chris Robshaw, with the pair exiting the competition in week four. These experiences, she suggests, have provided her with a deep understanding of the show’s mechanics and the creative demands required to keep the audience engaged.
Evolving Roles Behind the Scenes
The professional landscape of Strictly Come Dancing has seen significant shifts recently. With the departure of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the production is entering a new phase. Bychkova, who formed strong personal bonds with the former hosts during her decade on the program, remains supportive of the incoming team. She noted that the change will likely bring a “fresh and exciting” dynamic to the series as it prepares for its return this autumn.
Bychkova’s potential return as a choreographer aligns with the creative evolution of the show’s professional troupe. She observed that the dancers are constantly looking for ways to grow, and she views the transition of talent into new roles—whether as choreographers, judges, or mentors—as a healthy sign for the production. As the show prepares to welcome its new hosting trio, the focus remains on the high-quality performances that have defined the series for years.
What Happens Next
While fans may be eager to see Bychkova back on their screens, no formal agreement regarding a return in a choreographic capacity has been finalized. The production team for Strictly Come Dancing typically confirms its creative staff and professional lineup closer to the start of the autumn season. For now, Bychkova continues to focus on her personal projects, keeping the door open for a potential reunion with the program that defined much of her professional career.
As the series moves toward its upcoming season on BBC One, updates regarding the production team and creative contributors are expected to be released through official BBC channels. We invite you to share your thoughts on the show’s evolution and your favorite memories of Nadiya Bychkova’s performances in the comments section below.