The glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing are in full swing, but behind the sequins and sambas, a storm has been brewing. Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, a beloved figure on the BBC’s iconic dance competition, has taken to social media to set the record straight after media outlets falsely claimed she “slammed experienced celebs” and “criticised producers” over this year’s star-studded lineup. The 2025 series boasts a dazzling array of talent, including West End actress Amber Davies and former Billy Elliot star Lewis Cope, but it’s the controversy surrounding their dance experience that’s stealing the spotlight.
Nadiya, paired with former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, found herself at the center of a media firestorm when reports suggested she had taken issue with celebrities who have prior dance training. The accusations painted her as critical of the show’s casting choices, particularly targeting contestants like Amber Davies and La Voix, who cheekily poked fun at her co-stars’ musical theatre backgrounds. But Nadiya wasn’t having any of it. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shut down the rumors with grace and clarity, exposing the truth behind the headlines.
“You may have seen some stories in the papers suggesting that I have ‘slammed experienced celebs’ or ‘waded into a row over trained celebrities’ or ‘criticised producers,’” Nadiya wrote. “It is interesting to see it twisted like that because, to be perfectly clear, I haven’t.”
Far from throwing shade, Nadiya celebrated the diversity of talent on this year’s show. “I love the fact that Strictly is for people of all abilities,” she continued. “One of my great joys in life is teaching people to dance. It’s great to have celebrities with some experience on the show, and it’s also beautiful to see how people like Chris, who have never danced and performed before, improve. That is what Strictly is all about, and that is why it is loved by millions of people.”
Her words struck a chord with fans and contestants alike. Amber Davies, a standout contestant with West End credentials, rushed to Nadiya’s defense in the comments, writing, “You’re the most gracious and kindest woman I have ever met.” Fans echoed the sentiment, with one praising Nadiya’s warmth: “You tell them Nadiya—don’t believe a word they say—you are literally one of the most kindest and caring dancers ever.” Another fan pointed out the unique challenges of Strictly’s ballroom and Latin styles, noting, “Just because people have danced before doesn’t mean they’re going to be automatically amazing at ballroom/Latin. Different styles = different technique!”
The drama didn’t end there. Last Sunday, October 5, Nadiya and Chris faced a nail-biting moment in the bottom two during the results show, pitted against professional Amy Dowden and Apprentice star Thomas Skinner. In a tense dance-off, Nadiya and Chris pulled through, while Amy and Thomas became the first pair to exit the competition. Reflecting on the “intense” experience, Chris took to Instagram with a mix of relief and excitement: “Wow, that was tough. But we’re through the first round, bring on movie week!”
As Strictly heads into its next round, the spotlight remains on Nadiya and her unshakeable positivity. Her response to the media’s distortions has only solidified her reputation as a class act, both on and off the dancefloor. With movie week on the horizon, fans are eager to see how Nadiya and Chris—and the rest of this year’s eclectic cast—will light up the stage. One thing’s for sure: in the world of Strictly, it’s not just about the scores—it’s about the heart, hustle, and harmony that make the show a national treasure.