Nadiya Bychkova attends the Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro Nadiya Bychkova injured in freak accident

by · NottinghamshireLive

Strictly Come Dancing faces a new challenge as another star suffered an injury. Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova, who teamed up with Olympic athlete Tom Dean for the 2024 series, sustained a broken thumb during practice.

Despite the setback, the 35-year-old dance professional is still participating in group performances.

In a rehearsal for this weekend's Strictly shows, Nadiya had an unfortunate fall that resulted in a fractured thumb bone. She received immediate medical attention on set after the incident, which occurred on Wednesday (November 30).

An X-ray confirmed the break, and she was advised to rest.

It's understood that Nadiya will miss some parts of this weekend's show but has been given the green light to appear in certain numbers for upcoming episodes, reports the Mirror.

A source told 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.

"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."

Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova, after the Olympic champion became the first celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2024(Image: PA)

The source revealed that despite suffering a painful injury, Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova is determined to continue on the show as best she can. The BBC has been approached by The Mirror for a statement regarding the incident.

Speculation about Nadiya's future on the series has been rife, with concerns she might exit with many fans believing she has seemed unhappy during the 2024 season after her breakup with fellow professional Kai Widdrington.

Fans have taken to social media to express their observations of apparent on-screen tension, with one stating: "I truly believe a lot of the pros will end up leaving after this year for various reasons.

"Nadiya- inevitable, she seems p***** at her treatment this year and years priors 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."

Predictions are also being made about Kai's future, with one fan suggesting: "I imagine Kai will stay if Nadiya leaves."

While another commented on the potential impact of a more balanced male/female celebrity split next year: "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."