This year's series of Strictly Come Dancing has undergone a huge makeover after it was announced this week that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will be the new hosts of the show. In addition to the new presenters, the show is also preparing to welcome five new professional dancers to the line-up.
Strictly bosses are reportedly set to sign Ukrainian dancer Kateryna Klishyna, who has been branded 'the new Nadiya Bychkova' after it was revealed the latter was axed from the show back in March. Kateryna, 29, has previously appeared on America's Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance in Ukraine. She has caught the eyes of bosses after her audition, as a source revealed to The Sun: 'Bosses love Kateryna. Many will see her as Nadiya's replacement as they look so similar.' BBC representatives refused to comment when approached by the Daily Mail.
Nadiya was just one of a slew of professionals to be given the boot this year, joining Karen Hauer, 43, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Marquez, 35. After nine years on the show, partnering with celebrities including Dan Walker and Davood Ghadami, Nadiya shared the news of her exit on Instagram in March as she voiced her gratitude for everyone who had supported her.
'After nine wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving,' she penned. 'There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people's lives, and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks and those who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series. Strictly has allowed me to discover new sides of myself, develop new skills, and evolve as an artist in ways I will always be grateful for. This isn't the end... I look forward to being part of the Strictly world for many years to come in ways I am beginning to explore.'
As she was flooded with supportive messages from her followers, Tess Daly led the gushing comments, writing: 'Love you to bits. Beautiful inside and out.' In a statement confirming Nadiya's exit, the BBC said: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family. Over the years, Nadiya has delivered countless memorable performances, showcasing not only her exceptional talents as a dancer and choreographer but also her brilliance as a teacher to all her celebrity partners. A consummate professional, Nadiya embodies the very best of what Strictly stands for. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to the show and wish her every success for the future.'
The dancers that will be back in the ballroom later this year include Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr and Vito Coppola. Also set to return are Nancy Xu, Katya Jones, Julian Caillon, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley. Bosses have revealed that there will be brand new professional dancers joining the line-up in 2026, while judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas are also set to return.
