Nadiya Bychkova is reportedly in advanced talks to star on the upcoming I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here after being axed from Strictly Come Dancing.
The Ukrainian professional dancer, 36, is said to have ‘impressed’ ITV bosses and is at the top of their wish list for the jungle this year.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Nadiya has always been on the radar but has been unable to take part because of her commitment to Strictly. Now she’s a free agent, the offers have been coming in thick and fast.
‘She’s had a number of chats about doing the jungle. Bosses are so impressed with her it’s even been suggested she turns down other shows.’
Daily Mail has contacted ITV and Nadiya’s representatives for comment.
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.
Nadiya Bychkova is reportedly in advanced talks to star on the upcoming I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here after being axed from Strictly Come Dancing
The Ukrainian professional dancer, 36, is said to have ‘impressed’ ITV bosses and is at the top of their wish list for the jungle this year
‘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 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.’
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.
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.
An insider said: ‘Nadiya has always been on the radar but has been unable to take part because of her commitment to Strictly. Now she’s a free agent, the offers have been coming in thick’
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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.
While the announcement of the new hosts of the flagship BBC show were announced last week with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe, 43, taking over the Latin and Ballroom dance programme in September following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quitting.
The popular duo fronted Strictly together since 2014 and speculation was rife as to who would land the coveted roles.
And now Johannes has confirmed he will still be hitting the dancefloor as it is a huge part of his life and will be a ‘travesty’ if not.
Johannes told The Sun: ‘The question I’m getting asked the most is, “Are you not going to dance any more?” Now listen, I’m not hanging up my dancing shoes yet.
‘I will definitely be throwing some shapes and moving my hips – I can’t not, that’s my life. For it to be just taken away would be a travesty for me.
‘There’s a plan in action, that’s all I’m going to say. You’re going to see JoJo!’
In a behind the scenes clip posted on Strictly’s Instagram story, Johannes and new co-star Josh, 43, discussed their excitement.
The Last Leg star Josh said: ‘It doesn’t feel real’
To which Johannes replied: ‘You’re telling me, you’re telling me.’
Josh went on: ‘Jojo, how you feeling about not being part of that dancing team and having to interview them?’
Johannes responded: ‘Listen, I’m not hanging up my dancing shoes as yet. That I’m definitely not doing. I mean, I cannot. What is my life without a Cha Cha Cha?’
Josh joked: ‘Oh, I feel the same. That’s how I feel every morning.’
In another clip, the pair and fellow new host Emma, 50, shared their anticipation with one another.
Josh remarked: ‘Genuinely, this is the most exciting thing in my life that I’ve ever kept to myself. Can’t wait’, Emma added: ‘I still can’t find the words because my tummy is flipping consistently.
‘I would imagine it’s how you feel when you know you’ve got to walk down the stairs ‘dancing the cha cha! And like everything goes to jelly. That’s how I feel thinking about what we’re about to do.’
It comes as Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe were announced to take over the dance programme in September following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quitting
Johannes said: ‘It’s petrifying but I can’t tell you how exciting it is.’
Meanwhile, Emma later commented: ‘We’re going to laugh a lot, aren’t we? Just lots of laughing.’
Josh agreed: ‘Just laugh our way through it.’
The final clip featured Josh by himself, as he spoke about new colleagues Emma and Johannes.
He said: ‘I’ve just realised I’ve been booked to present something with two of the most striking people on television and I look like me. Absolute disaster.
‘Emma is like one of the great TV hosts of our generation. And Johannes is one of the great dancers of our generation. And I’m here as well.
‘I’m looking forward to the first episode because I think it will be the only episode in the history of Strictly where the presenters are more nervous than the dancers. It’s going to be great.’
