Every Strictly Come Dancing fan knows that most of the drama happens off the dance floor, with many behind-the-scenes romances keeping audiences hooked. Strictly 2024 pro Nadiya Bychkova is no stranger to such drama, in fact she’s currently embroiled in a ‘love square’. Her ex-boyfriend Kai Widdrington was recently spotted flirting with Love Island’s Maura Higgins right around the time Maura was seen packing on the PDA with TOWIE’s Pete Wicks, while he is currently paired up with Jowita Przystał for Strictly’s 20th series.
Nadiya – who shares daughter Mila, seven, with her ex-fiancé Matija Škarabot – was the first to be voted off the current series of Strictly alongside Olympic champion Tom Dean, but that doesn’t mean she gets a day off. Instead, Nadiya is now dancing up a storm each week in the group numbers. She caught up with Closer to discuss how she keeps in shape and takes care of herself during rigorous rehearsals and tours.
Are you dating?
No, I’m not. I’m too busy with the show. I’d rather not talk about Kai right now.
Who would be your dream Strictly partner?
Since watching the Super Bowl, it would probably be Usher. He was just incredible, he’s got a great combination of Michael Jackson moves and everything else, so if he’s on the list, it would be him. I love his music, and he’s got that wonderful movement in his body, so it would be very challenging in a good way to get someone who actually knows about dancing.
Challenging in what way?
Last year we had Layton [Williams], and as much as you think you’re lucky to have someone who can dance, at the same time it’s a big responsibility, because the expectations are so high. I would like to find myself in a similar position at some point.
Do you ever get any showbiz pals asking you to help get them on the show?
Yes, so many people!
Do you ever put a good word in?
Yes, we get that privilege. Because of the show, we end up in circles with celebrities who love watching it, so whenever we speak with the producers I say, ‘What about this person?’
Obviously, you stay in shape from all the dancing, but are there any foods you avoid before Strictly?
Before I perform, I don’t eat much, because I don’t like my stomach being full, so I mostly have juices. I’ve always been like this since I was competing because food is too heavy. Whenever you eat something, your body needs to work to digest it instead of being focused. But, in general, I always say it’s the lifestyle, the way you live, and how you look after yourself. When Strictly isn’t on, I try to look after myself and give my body back whatever I take out of it during the tour.
I have a lot of lovely walks outside, different treatments, like infrared saunas and cryotherapy, and I just started doing oxygen chambers, which are really good for everything, but especially to help my muscles to recover, which is not as quick as it used to be when I was in my twenties.
How many hours before a performance do you stop eating?
It depends on the performance, but whenever I record Strictly, we’re there all day. It starts at 6am when I get picked up and then I’m in hair and make-up, and then we have all the rehearsals, so there’s not really time to eat. Every now and then I have some biscuits, I am obsessed with biscuits, and some juices or smoothies, or maybe a soup if it’s winter.
Do you find it’s harder to keep in shape in your thirties?
Yes, I always say that before then, happy lifestyle, a bit of exercise and good food is enough. Whereas after 30 you need to do massages and treatments to help your body get rid of whatever you don’t need.
Queen Camilla is a Strictly fan – have you ever met her?
No, but I met Princess Anne not long ago at a ballet event. She is a Strictly fan and she wants to go on the show – she told me. Prince Andrew and I also had a little conversation last year and he knew everything about the show; when I was in and when I was out, and who won it. It just blows your mind to think how big this show is.