Following reports that Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice is thought to have left the hit BBC series after 10 years, it looks like the future of another star could be on the rocks.
Ukranian pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova has admitted she has no idea if she'll be coming back and is none the wiser about her involvement in the upcoming series.
When speaking to The Sun, Nadiya said: “I think you'll have to wait and see the Strictly announcement.”
In a previous statement to OK!, BBC bosses insisted that viewers should stand by for official announcements on the cast. It said: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."
In the same interview, Nadiya was also asked if they needed to match dance partners in terms of height. She explained: "Probably, yes, but that's what producer's do, and it’s probably the other way round.
"They need to get the right one because obviously it's the show for them and it's important that celebrities are having the best time and they’re enjoying the experience and learning something new.”
Last year, Nadiya was left without a celebrity partner. The 34 year old joined the show in 2017 and has had a celebrity partner each year since then.
Nadiya's comments come after Giovanni Pernice had reportedly 'quit' the hit BBC show after nine years, following claims that he had told friends that he will not be returning for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
A source reportedly told The Sun: "Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start. He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times."
The source continued: "He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age. He has a lot of other exciting projects in the pipeline right now, and he’s just super-excited to get cracking on them. This, now, is his priority."
Last year, Giovanni's partner Amanda Abbington quit half way through the show, and later shared that she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show. Since then, Giovanni, 33, has been at the centre of much speculation.
BBC bosses were said to be welcoming Giovanni back "with open arms", as there had been no official complaints lodged against the star. However, it now is reported that Giovanni has opted to walk away from the show.
