DANCING BUNNY
Who is Strictly pro and former Playboy model Nadiya Bychkova?
Plus why she split from boyfriend Kai Widdrington
OVER the years Nadiya Bychkova has become a well known face on Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer is returning to the show for the 2024 series.
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Who is Nadiya Bychkova?
Born on August 24, 1989, Nadiya Bychkova is a dancer who hails from Ukraine.
She is a two-time World Champion and European Champion in Ballroom and Latin "10" Dance.
The dancer is a multiple Slovenian Ballroom and Latin Champion.
Nadiya has also taken part in the Bosnian version of Strictly.
When did Nadiya Bychkova join Strictly Come Dancing?
Nadia joined the Strictly family in 2017 and was partnered with EastEnders star Davood Ghadami.
She said at the time: “I’m extremely happy to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing family this year.
“One of my biggest dreams is to be part of this great show and I can’t wait to get started.”
Since then, Nadiya has been paired with a number of celebrities - but has never lifted the Glitterball trophy.
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These include Lee Ryan, David James, Dan Walker and Matt Goss.
Nadiya did not get a celebrity partner in 2023 and she posted a statement on social media admitting she was very disappointed.
Davood Ghadami and Nadiya Bychkova dance the Samba to a Saturday Night Fever theme on Strictly Come Dancing
She wrote: "I just wanted to encourage you all today because that is what you have done for me over the weekend.
"This is going to be a brilliant series of Strictly.
"I hope you all enjoy it and I’m looking forward to being part of the biggest show on TV.
"Life doesn’t always go the way we want it to but the people we come across can make a big difference to our perspective, our mindset and the way we face the next day."
It is yet to be revealed if she will paired up with one of the stars in the 2024 line-up.
However she has been spotted out with Nick Knowles who is appearing on the 22nd series of the show.
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When did Nadiya Bychkova model for Playboy magazine?
Aside from being an accomplished dancer, the Ukrainian has also done some professional modelling.
Nadiya starred on the front cover of Slovenia's Playboy magazine in April 2015.
She previously featured on the cover of FHM, in the same country, back in March 2012.
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Who is Nadiya Bychkova dating?
As of September 2024, Nadiya is a single lady, after splitting from fellow Strictly star Kai Waddington.
The pair dated for two years from 2022, with pals telling The Sun that the pair just “grew apart".
“It’s heartbreaking,” a friend said.
“Kai and Nadiya seemed like the most perfect couple and have been so, so blissfully in love.
“But the pressures of touring - being in each other’s space 24/7, and the stress of performing a sell-out show eventually took its toll.
“After a tough few weeks, they sat down together and decided to call it quits.
"They remain incredibly close and are determined their split will not have any impact on the next series of Strictly - they remain consummate professionals, and nothing will change that.”
Who's confirmed for Strictly 2024?
WITH Strictly's 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series:
- EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick.
- Athlete Tom Dean is a three-time Olympic champion.
- X Factor winner and former Corrie star Shayne Ward.
- Miranda star Sarah Hadland.
- Gladiators star Montell Douglas AKA Fire.
- Football pundit Paul Merson.
- DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.
- Olympic hero Sam Quek.
- Towie legend Pete Wicks.
- Love Island star Tasha Ghouri.
- Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.
- 80s legend and singer Toyah Willcox.
- Opera singer Wynne Evans.
- JLS singer JB Gill.
- Blind comedian Chris McCausland.
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