Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova is said to have complained to three senior BBC executives about a colleague she alleged made her feel uncomfortable, but continued to work alongside the person during filming.
The complaint was made in 2024, when Bychkova reportedly asked BBC managers to intervene and prevent further contact with the individual. However, despite raising her concerns, she was still required to work in close proximity to the colleague on the programme.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the BBC’s then HR production director offered to begin a formal investigation and said the colleague should have been removed from their role. The executive also reportedly offered to speak directly to the person and asked production staff to limit the pair’s contact.
Bychkova is understood to have declined the formal review, believing that the response did not go far enough and that the behaviour she had complained about was being treated as normal. Her concerns were raised through a series of conversations and written communications.
The BBC said it did not comment on individual staff members or confidential HR processes, but added: “Issues raised with us are always treated seriously and appropriate action is taken.”
The allegations have emerged after Bychkova’s departure from Strictly was confirmed as part of a major change to the programme’s professional dancer line-up. She joined the BBC show in 2017 and worked with celebrities including Dan Walker, David James, Chris Robshaw and Lee Ryan.
Bychkova was among five professionals who did not return for the 2026 series, alongside Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez. The BBC later confirmed that new dancers would be recruited to replace them.
The dancer’s departure has prompted questions from people close to her about whether her earlier complaint played any part in the decision not to renew her place on the show. There is no indication that the BBC has linked the two matters, and the broadcaster has not commented on the suggestion.
Bychkova previously denied publicly reported claims in July 2024 that she had complained about Strictly. In a social media post at the time, she said: “I have not complained about the programme,” while adding that she was looking forward to the new series. That statement followed reports concerning the wider backstage culture of the show and did not address the specific details of the complaint now being reported.
The BBC introduced additional welfare measures for the 2024 series after allegations about the treatment of contestants and dancers. These included ensuring a production team member was present in training rooms at all times, along with the appointment of dedicated welfare producers for celebrities and professional dancers.
