Strictly Come Dancing is facing a new crisis, as another contestant has suffered an injury. Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, who teamed up with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean for the 2024 season, has injured her thumb during practice.
Despite the painful break sidelining the 35 year old from the competition, she will continue to appear in group dance numbers with her fellow professionals.
Whilst preparing for this weekend’s Strictly live shows, Nadiya took a tumble and fractured her thumb. She received immediate attention on the set following the mishap, which apparently occurred on Wednesday.
After an X-Ray confirmed the fracture, she was instructed to rest. Nonetheless, reports indicate that she’ll miss certain parts of this weekends show but has been given the go-ahead to perform in some pre-recorded segments for upcoming episodes.
An insider shared with The Sun: “Nadiya was training with the other pros when she fell. Her thumb basically snapped and it looked incredibly painful. Everyone crowded around her.”, reports the Mirror.
Furthermore, the insider revealed: “Nadiya’s thumb was badly swollen and bruised, but she doesn’t want to let anyone down and is adamant she can do the pre-recorded number. A doctor eventually cleared her and she will be able to film, but might be treated with kid gloves by fellow pros.”
The Ukrainian dancer is reportedly putting on a courageous front despite a distressing injury, pledging to persist with her show commitment as much as possible. The Mirror has approached the BBC for a statement regarding the incident.
Amid speculations that Nadiya may be considering an exit from the series, concerns have increased, especially after observations from fans suggesting she appears discontented in the 2024 run post her breakup with Kai Widdrington, another dance pro.
Social media has been abuzz with comments, with a viewer noting this week: “I truly believe a lot of the pros will end up leaving after this year for various reasons. Nadiya- inevitable, she seems pissed at her treatment this year and years prior and the whole awkwardness with Kai doesn’t help.”
Another shared: “Kai and Nadia, personally, I find them utterly forgettable so I can’t say I would be sad to see them go if I’m honest.” Meanwhile, one predicts: “I imagine Kai will stay if Nadiya leaves.”
Further input from a fan remarked: “Kai, he’s had two great runs so one benched year wouldn’t affect that as much especially if they go back to a more even male/female split in celebs next year and he’s more likely to stay if Nadiya leaves.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One