Nadiya Bychkova has reached out to supporters once more following her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, sharing an emotional message on her Instagram story.
The Ukrainian dancer, who confirmed her exit from the BBC programme earlier this week, posted on Friday expressing her overwhelming gratitude for the response she has received.
“Deeply grateful for all the love and kindness,” she wrote. “Thank you to each and every one of you.”
The 36-year-old revealed she has been inundated with messages from well-wishers since announcing her departure.
“So many beautiful messages – I’m going through them all and will try to reply where I can,” she continued. “Just know… I see you, I truly appreciate you… My heart is full.”
The heartfelt update follows Ms Bychkova’s confirmation on Wednesday that she would be stepping away from the ballroom competition after nearly a decade.
Nadiya Bychkova is among the Strictly stars set to leave | PA
In her original Instagram announcement, the professional dancer framed her departure not as a conclusion but as a transformation in her relationship with the beloved BBC series.
“After 9 wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving,” she stated.
The double world champion expressed her appreciation for viewers who had supported her throughout her tenure, thanking those “who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series.”
She also acknowledged the production team, her celebrity partners, fellow professionals and judges who had been part of her experience.
Nadiya Bychkova shared a new message on Instagram
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“This isn’t the end,” Ms Bychkova insisted, hinting that she anticipates remaining connected to the Strictly universe in new capacities she is currently exploring.
Ms Bychkova made her Strictly debut in 2017 as an accomplished athlete, bringing with her two world championship titles in ballroom and Latin dance.
Throughout her nine-year stint, she partnered numerous celebrity contestants including BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker, EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami, singer Matt Goss and former England goalkeeper David James.
Standing at 5ft 8, she was frequently matched with taller partners on the programme.
Nadiya Bychkova is now confirmed to have left BBC Strictly | GETTY
Her most successful series came in 2021 alongside Mr Walker, when the pair progressed to the quarter-finals and secured fifth place overall.
In her final season, Ms Bychkova was paired with former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, though their journey ended early as the third couple eliminated from the competition.
Beyond the dancefloor, she is mother to nine-year-old daughter Mila.
The BBC issued an official statement praising Ms Bychkova’s contribution to the programme, describing her as someone who brought “elegance, artistry, and unwavering dedication to the ballroom.”
The broadcaster added that she had delivered “countless memorable performances” and would “always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.”
Fellow professional Johannes Radebe responded to her departure by commenting: “YOU are elegance personified.”
Karen Hauer, who recently announced her own exit after 14 years as the show’s longest-serving female dancer, wrote: “You are wonderful.”
Departing host Tess Daly also offered her support, telling Ms Bychkova: “Love you to bits. Beautiful inside and out.”
Ms Bychkova’s departure forms part of a broader shake-up at Strictly, with Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas also reportedly leaving the professional lineup.