SEVERE bosses have been criticized for denying star professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova a celebrity companion for the new series – with former show partner Dan Walker leading the backlash.
The Channel 5 news presenter compared it to leaving soccer great Lionel Messi on the bench for the World Cup final.
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Strict bosses have been criticized for denying Nadiya Bychka a celebrity companion for the new series Credit: BBC
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Former partner Dan Walker, who was paired with Nadia in 2021, led the backlash – comparing it to Messi being benched for the World Cup finalCredit: PA
He was connected with a Ukrainian woman (34) in 2021 and made one of the most sensational duos in the show.
The decision to exclude her from this year’s competition, which starts on Saturday, was met with disapproval on social media.
And Dan, 46, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Strictly is such an amazing show and it’s almost time for a new series, what a great line-up this year.
“All the pros are great, but it was suffocating to hear that @nadiyabychkova doesn’t have a partner.
“I’m sure he’s still looking forward to being part of the biggest show on TV.
“But that’s like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup final!”
Nadiya was thought to be chosen to be paired with a celebrity, as she has been since she joined six years ago.
It was a particular surprise given that the BBC used it so heavily in the public eye to drum up interest ahead of the start of the 21st series.
She will still take part in the group dances, but fans are confused that she has been denied a starring role with her partner – a sentiment Nadiya reportedly shares.
An insider said: “She’s terribly upset and so confused because her star wasn’t just dating, she was jumping.
“If she’s done something wrong, she has no idea what it is because she’s always been dedicated to Strictly.
“Of course, she understands that there are always more dancers than couples in a dance group.
“So it’s a bit like rotating players on a football team.
“But many viewers will wonder why someone who many consider a striker ends up sitting on the bench when he has so much to offer the team.”
Nadiya, who started dating fellow pro Kai Widdrington, 28, after they met on Strictly two years ago, has built up a huge following since she first appeared in 2017.
Fans on X expressed disbelief that Nadiya, a world champion in dance and Latin American sports, would be on the back burner, with some suggesting they would organize a boycott.
One said: “Not giving Nadia a partner? Strictly, you are dead to me this year.”
Another said: “Shocking! She is immensely talented, not to mention breathtaking.”
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Nadiya started dating fellow pro Kai Widdrington after they met on StrictlyCredit: Getty
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There had been speculation that Nadiya would be paired with EastEnder Bobby Brazier – as he, at 6ft 2ins, needed a tall professional like NadiyaCredit: BBC
Nadiya had mixed success on the show, but was a particular hit after being paired with Dan.
She managed to transform the journalist from a clumsy attempt into a capable initiator.
They won over the spectators – if not always the judges – and finished in fifth place.
This year she was expected to be paired with EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, 20, who, at 6ft 2ins, demanded a tall professional like Nadiya.
So it came as a shock when the pairings were leaked by someone who saw a preview of the premiere show.
Nadiya reveals in the new Radio Times how hard she worked on Strictly, including sacrificing key moments with her daughter Mila, six.
Nadiya told the magazine: “I couldn’t be there for my daughter’s first day of school because of Strictly. Those are crazy hours.”
Nadiya’s upset could be exacerbated if Kai is lined up with a celebrity when the pairings are officially announced on Saturday.
He sounded pleased after taping the “pairing” show.
Speaking to the Radio Times, Kai said: “In true Strictly style, it’s a big, spectacular opening dance.
“We perform an amazing dance with lots of glitter and confetti.
“Welcome to Strictly 2023 — in a nutshell.”
A BBC spokeswoman declined to comment.
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This year’s cast of Strictly pros line up for a photo shoot ahead of Saturday’s premiere showCredit: BBC
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And here are the 2023 stars hoping to lift this year’s GlitterballCredit: BBC
BOYLEING POINT
I MAY NOT be a ballroom expert – but I know great TV when I see it and Nadiya is a box office, writes Simon Boyle.
Her five years on the show saw her become a fan favorite.
She’s also made her mark off-screen, thanks to her stunning looks and romance with fellow pro Kai Widdrington.
So leaving her out of the main line-up this year is a little short of madness – especially considering she’s more famous than many of the so-called “celebrity” contestants.
The BBC executives who benched Nadiya should take themselves to Specsavers.
It almost justifies the license fee.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education