Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova admits disappointment at not getting celeb partner

Nadiya Bychkova has admitted she is disappointed not to have been given a celebrity partner in Strictly Come Dancing 2023.

The Ukrainian professional dancer - who joined the BBC show in 2017 - will not be competing in the BBC dance contest as she was not matched with a celebrity contestant, but she will still take part in group dances.

Bychkova posted a statement on social media saying: "I’m sure you’ll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series.

Read more: Strictly 2023 launch show: The celebrities' dance partners revealed

"It is an amazing show to be a part of and I’m still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more.

"I’m also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year."

In 2022 Bychova was paired with Bros star Matt Goss and they were the third couple to be eliminated from the competition.

In 2021 she made it to the quarter final with former BBC Breakfast host and Channel 5 newsreader Dan Walker, the furthest she had even got in the competition.

Before the pairings for the latest series were confirmed in a pre-recorded show which aired on Saturday 16 September, Walker spoke out to share his disappointment for Bychkova.

He wrote on Instagram: "Strictly is such an amazing show and it’s almost time for the new series… what a great line-up this year.

"All the pros are great but gutted to hear that @nadiyabychkova hasn’t got a partner. 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!

"She is so talented, the best teacher anyone could hope for, a top class lobster and… she’s the Yorkshire Barmaid!"

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Bychkova was previously left without a partner in 2018.

Her other celebrity partners have included EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami, Blue singer Lee Ryan and footballer David James.

The show currently has 18 professional dancers signed up and 15 celebrities taking part. Every year some pros are left unpaired, but they still appear on the show and join in group dances. They are also on stand by in case of any illness or injury among the professionals during the series.

Before the series launches the celebrity contestants and pro dancers take part in a number of practice sessions so assess their compatibility and they are paired based on these sessions.

Producers also decide the partnerships based on height and other factors that need to be taken into consideration when matching a pair that will be able to dance together and attempt lifts and stunts.

Watch: Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychova made it to the Strictly quarter final in 2021