I told the BBC about an abusive colleague – but still had to work with them, says former Strictly professional Nadiya Bychkova

Former Strictly professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova was left furious after she still had to work with a colleague on the dance show despite complaining to BBC bosses they were ‘abusive’.

The Ukrainian star – who was axed from the competition earlier this year – complained to three senior executives in 2024, asking them to intervene and keep her away from the person who she claimed made her feel uncomfortable.

Friends of Ms Bychkova question whether her allegations were a contributing factor to her being let go by Strictly in March amid a cull of four female professionals.

Despite her writing to BBC bosses, she still found herself in her colleague’s vicinity for Strictly recordings despite laying out reasons why she could not be in their company.

While the BBC did offer to investigate the matter, Ms Bychkova was devastated that she still had to face them.

A source familiar with the complaint told The Mail on Sunday she feels the corporation turned a ‘blind eye’ to her claims, though the BBC’s then HR director of production did write a lengthy response offering to conduct a formal review, which she declined. The BBC insisted it was not normalising unacceptable behaviour.

The HR director also offered to speak to Ms Bychkova’s colleague and reportedly asked Strictly production staff to reduce the pair’s contact time, but ultimately she still had to face the colleague.

The source said: ‘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.

‘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.

‘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.

‘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.’

Ms Bychkova joined Strictly in 2017 and was partnered with the likes of former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, ex-England goalkeeper David James and singer Lee Ryan.

Along with fellow professionals Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk, she was axed in favour of younger dancers who will make their debuts next month when the series returns. 

At the time, the BBC said of Ms Bychkova: ‘Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.’

It’s hoped the revamp will leave behind multiple scandals which took place behind the scenes – including Graziano di Prima kicking his partner Zara McDermott and Wynne Evans’s controversial move of putting his hand around Katya Jones’s waist.

There were also claims last year that Strictly stars were involved in taking cocaine, but an investigation found no proof.

Last night 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.’