Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova complained to BBC bosses about ‘abusive’ colleague before shock axe
STRICTLY Come Dancing pro Nadiya Bychkova has claimed she told BBC bosses about an “abusive” colleague but was forced to work with them on the show before her shock axing.
The 37-year-old reportedly lodged a complaint to three senior executives in 2024, detailing a person that made her feel uncomfortable at work.
Nadiya is said to have asked the Beeb bosses to restrict contact with the mystery person, according to The Mail.
While the Ukrainian dancer made her complaint in writing and the BBC did offer to investigate the situation , she still found herself within reach of the colleague in question.
Nadiya was left devastated by the hand she was dealt and a source familiar with the complaint told the publication she feels the Beeb turned “a blind eye.”
“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,” said the source.
“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. The BBC offered to open a formal investigation but she felt the person should have been taken out of her orbit.”
The source continued: “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.”
Pals of Nadiya have considered whether her allegations were a catalyst for her being one of the five dancers axed in the cull back in March.
“Literally a year and a half later [after her complaint], she was got rid of by Strictly bosses.
“It was heartbreaking for her. She was distraught to be axed. Of course this is going to lead to questions of whether the two were linked.”
The BBC told The Mail: “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.”
Nadiya, who failed to ever make the final, was on the show for nearly 10 years after joining in 2017.
She was axed alongside Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, relative newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez.
At the time, a source said: “Nadiya is distraught. The news came as such a huge shock as Nadiya’s life was Strictly and to find out she’s not been invited back as full time pro has really broken her heart.
“No one was expecting producers to chop so many professionals.
“Especially someone like Nadiya, who’s shown so much dedication to the show over the years. There’s a super weird feeling among the rest of the pros now, they’re all wondering if they’re safe and everyone’s nervous.”
