Fans speculate on Strictly professional's departure following awkward season with ex

enthusiasts are speculating that Nadiya Bychkova may leave the show following her break up with Kai Widdrington.

Nadiya, a 35 year old professional dancer, and Kai, a fellow pro aged 29, fell in love in 2022 after meeting on the popular BBC programme. However, their once passionate relationship cooled earlier this year, leading to a split after two years together.

Since their break-up, it's reported that the atmosphere between the exes has become frosty, with rumours suggesting they're avoiding each other as much as possible behind the scenes.

In the 2024 Strictly season, Nadiya was partnered with Olympian Tom Dean, but they faced the embarrassment of being the first pair to be voted off.

The current 22nd series has been even more challenging for Kai, who wasn't paired with a celebrity. Despite this, both he and his former partner have participated in the extravagant professional dancer routines that traditionally kick off every Saturday show.

Fans of the beloved series have picked up on a subtle dynamic shift, spotting that Kai and Nadiya have consistently been positioned at opposing ends of the set during appearances together - leading many to speculate that the Ukrainian dancer might bow out after joining the professional cast in 2017.

An avid viewer aired their thoughts online: "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", reports .

Yet, some are crossing their fingers that both Nadiya and Kai will exit the show.

A fan commented: "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."

Another speculated about the shake-up: "I imagine Kai will stay if Nadiya leaves."

Echoing similar sentiments, another added: "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."

In a shocking twist last month, viewers were left agape when Nadiya and her celebrity partner, Olympic swimmer Tom, landed in the dance-off against singer Toyah Wilcox and dancing ace Neil Jones, with the judges opting to save the latter duo.

Following the intense showdown, Nadiya took to the internet with an heartfelt tribute to Tom, expressing gratitude amidst the disappointment: "I want to say thank you for all the amazing messages tonight."

"Tom had so much to give and I had so much I wanted to teach him. His improvement in the last 2 weeks has been incredible and I think, actually I know, he could have become a brilliant dancer. I'm devastated that you won't get to see that. My 3-time Olympic Champion was an amazing student and is a wonderful gentleman. He will go on to bigger and better things and I know this year he could have had a brilliant Strictly story. I love this show and I want to wish the other couples all the best and I'm sure it's going to be a great series. Thank you for your kindness."

Daily Express have reached out to Nadiya's reps for comment.