Former Strictly Come Dancing dancer Nadiya Bychkova was forced to work alongside a colleague she complained to BBC executives was abusive, sources have revealed.
The Ukrainian star complained to three senior BBC executives in 2024, asking them to intervene and keep her away from the individual who she claimed made her feel uncomfortable. Friends of Ms Bychkova have questioned whether her allegations were a contributing factor to her being let go by the show in March amid a cull of four female professionals.
Despite writing to BBC bosses, she still found herself in her colleague's vicinity for Strictly recordings despite laying out reasons why she could not be in their company.
Complaints to BBC executives
While the BBC did offer to investigate the matter, Ms Bychkova was devastated that she still had to face them. A source familiar with the complaint told The Mail on Sunday she feels the corporation turned a blind eye to her claims.
The BBC's then HR director of production wrote a lengthy response offering to conduct a formal review, which she declined, while insisting they were not normalising unacceptable behaviour. The HR director also offered to speak to Ms Bychkova's colleague and reportedly asked Strictly production staff to reduce the pair's contact time, but ultimately she still had to face the colleague.
The source said: "Nadiya wrote to tell them she was struggling with a particular person involved with Strictly and she was not happy with the response she got."
"She felt her feelings had been downplayed and that the person's conduct was being normalised by them. It was a horrific time for her. The BBC offered to open a formal investigation but she felt the person should have been taken out of her orbit," the source added.
Axing from Strictly Come Dancing
The source stated that several conversations took place, both verbally and in writing, but Ms Bychkova felt insufficient action was taken. The source noted: "The sad thing is it was three women she wrote to. Then, literally a year and a half later, she was got rid of by Strictly's bosses."
"It was heartbreaking for her. She was distraught to be axed. Of course, that is going to lead to questions of whether the two were linked," the source said.
Ms Bychkova, a professional dancer on the show, joined Strictly in 2017. During her time on the BBC ballroom competition, she was partnered with celebrities including former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, ex-England goalkeeper David James, and singer Lee Ryan.
In March, she was axed alongside fellow professional dancers Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk in favour of younger dancers who will make their debuts next month when the series returns.
At the time of her departure, the BBC praised her contribution to the programme. A BBC statement said: "Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family."
Behind the scenes scandals
The cast changes come as show bosses hope a revamp will leave behind multiple scandals that took place behind the scenes. Recent controversies on the show include professional dancer Graziano di Prima kicking his partner Zara McDermott, as well as Wynne Evans making a controversial move by putting his hand around Katya Jones's waist.
There were also claims last year that Strictly stars were involved in taking cocaine, but an internal investigation found no proof.
A BBC spokesman said last night: "While we are not going to comment on individuals or HR processes, when issues are raised with us they are always handled seriously and appropriate action is taken."
