12 September 2023 , 06:43
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Dan Walker admitted he was gutted after his former Strictly Come Dancing partner Nadiya Bychkova was left without a celebrity partner in the upcoming season of the series.
The BBC1 competition is landing on screens this month and the 2023 couples will soon be revealed during the launch show this weekend. So far, it has been revealed that Nadiya was left without a partner and she was reportedly 'seething' at the decision made by BBC bosses.
The Ukrainian dancer, 34, joined the dance competition in 2017 and had a celebrity partner every year since. Her partners included Davood Ghadami, Lee Ryan, David James, Dan Walker and Matt Goss. She was partnered with 5 News presenter Dan in 2021, with the two coming in fifth.
Ahead of the new series, Dan took to Twitter to praise his former dance partner and admitted he was 'gutted' she was left in the sidelines. "Looking forward to the new series of Strictly," he tweeted along with a photo of them on the dancefloor. "All the pros are great but gutted that @NadiyaBychkova hasn’t got a partner.
Dan was 'gutted' his former partner is on the sidelines this year
He was partnered up with her on the 2021 series (BBC/Kieron McCarron)"I’m sure she’s still looking forward to being part of the biggest show on TV but it feels a bit like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup final!" He also posted a snap of them wearing lobster hats and wrote: "She is so talented, the best teacher anyone could hope for, a top class lobster & she’s the Yorkshire Barmaid!
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"It’s an incredible show & the whole team is amazing. I hope the celebs enjoy it we are all about the A-Team… the 2 Angelas, Amanda, Adam and Annabel How about you?" It comes after a source told the Mirror that being left without a celebrity partner was "crushing for her."
A source said: “Nadiya lives and breathes Strictly, and so to hear that she wouldn’t have a celebrity partner this year was crushing for her. She was both gutted and very, very angry. She has come to terms with it over the past few weeks and will do her best to support Kai during the series. But it was devastating news for her.”
Earlier this week a fan posted a comment on Nadiya’s Instagram page, railing: “I can’t believe (they) treat you like c***. I thought this would finally be your year to get to the final and win. What’s wrong with you @BBCStrictly producers?” Liking the comment, Nadiya responded with a thank you and a white heart emoji.
The pro dancer, who was paired with Matt Goss last year, is thought to have been overlooked in favour of Luba Mushtuk - as only one taller female pro was needed for the cast this year.