**Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova Embraces Single Life Following Split from Kai Widdrington**
Renowned Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has opened up about life after her separation from fellow dancer Kai Widdrington, describing her new single status as “beautiful.” Speaking candidly to the media nearly a year after the couple’s well-publicised split, Bychkova shared insights into her renewed sense of happiness and self-assurance, signalling a positive new chapter in her personal journey.
Bychkova and Widdrington, who were involved romantically for three years, ended their relationship in July 2024. Their breakup came as a surprise to many fans, with reports citing the strains of working and touring together as contributing factors. Despite the initial upset among the show’s devoted followers, Bychkova now appears to have found comfort and contentment away from the pressures of a public partnership. “Look at me—being single is beautiful,” she reflected in a recent interview, adding, “I am in a really good place and I’m really happy.”
In the months since their split, both dancers have taken different paths. Widdrington, 29, shared his happiness on social media by confirming his relationship with executive assistant Chloe Wells in April. He later conveyed a sense of fulfilment in an interview, attributing much of this newfound joy to his current partner. With 2025 marking a milestone year as he approaches his 30th birthday, he commented, “I feel very, very happy, and it’s largely down to my other half as well.”
Meanwhile, Bychkova has continued her dedicated work on Strictly Come Dancing, maintaining a professional relationship with Widdrington despite their breakup. Addressing speculation about their dynamic backstage, she previously told the press, “We work together but we are not friends and that’s OK. When you see me dancing with him, it will be amazing because I’m a professional.” This forthright approach appears to have enabled both to focus on their careers, even as their personal connections have changed.
Beyond dealings with her former partner, Bychkova has also spoken out against persistent rumours regarding her relationship with her 2021 Strictly partner, broadcaster Dan Walker. Despite various tabloid reports, Bychkova has consistently rejected the notion that they were ever more than friends—clarifying that Walker, married for over twenty years, remains devoted to his family life.
Walker himself addressed these rumours, calling them “disappointing,” and underscoring the importance of keeping discussions about the infamous “Strictly Curse” in perspective. “I think we tried to make it light-hearted, to have fun doing it,” Walker noted at the time, revealing that his wife Sarah had even shared jokes about the speculation. He recalled how Bychkova bonded with his family almost immediately, joining them for dinners and social outings, which further diminished any gossip about an off-screen romance. “Friendship is a blessing. And I think from the moment we first met, Nadiya and I knew we were going to get on,” he added.
Bychkova’s experiences reflect the ongoing public fascination with the personal lives of those who grace the Strictly dancefloor. The so-called ‘curse’—the perceived tendency for show participants to embark on new romances—continues to generate headlines, though for Bychkova, it appears professional boundaries and personal happiness now take precedence.
As she looks ahead to new opportunities, Bychkova’s perspective remains refreshingly optimistic. Her ability to carve out a fulfilling single life, along with her continued dedication to her craft, has not only inspired fans but also offered a measured response to the intensity of public speculation experienced by reality television personalities.
For now, it seems both Bychkova and Widdrington have found a sense of balance after a period of significant personal upheaval—a reminder that fresh starts can indeed be cause for celebration, both on and off the dancefloor.