Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington ‘split’ after two years together

Strictly Come Dancing stars Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington have split after two years of dating, it has been reported.

The dancing duo were on tour together last month, but it appears ‘pressures’ have forced them apart, with a source claiming they were ‘blissfully in love’ until the ‘stress’ of performing the show got to them.

No third party was said to be involved, as a source told The Sun: ‘It’s heartbreaking’.

They continued: ‘Kai and Nadiya seemed like the most perfect couple and have been so, so blissfully in love.

‘But the pressures of touring – being in each other’s space 24/7, and the stress of performing a sell-out show eventually took its toll. 

‘After a tough few weeks, they sat down together and decided to call it quits. They remain incredibly close and are determined their split will not have any impact on the next series of Strictly – they remain consummate professionals, and nothing will change that.

Kai, 28, and Nadiya, 34, met on the dancing show and confirmed their relationship in 2022.

They also previously opened up on how it was ‘magic’ when they met, with Nadiya explaining: ‘We met, obviously, as Kai joined Strictly. We became friends, and then magic happened! Can’t help it.’

The dancers are thought to have started dating in January 2022 after growing close during the 2021 series of the show, during which Kai danced with AJ Odudu and Nadiya was paired with Dan Walker.

Nadiya started dating Kai following her split from ex-fiancé and footballer Matija Škarabot – who she shares a daughter with.

This split comes as the show is marred with controversy surrounding some of the professional dancers’ conduct with their partners on the show.

Days ago, news broke that Strictly professional Graziano Di Prima was being dropped from the BBC show.

It’s been claimed Di Prima ‘kicked and hit’ dance partner Zara McDermott, with the former Made In Chelsea star saying watching back videos of training was ‘distressing’ for her.

Before specific allegations came to light, Di Prima addressed the sacking and said he ‘deeply regrets the actions’ that led to his departure from Strictly.

‘My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime,’ he admitted.

Weeks ago, the BBC confirmed Giovanni Pernicewould not be joining the line-up of professional dancers on Strictly this year after claims of inappropriate and controlling behaviour toward Amanda Abbington.

The broadcaster is currently conducting an investigation into Pernice’s teaching style.

Pernice’s previous partners Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh are also said to have accused him of misconduct and allegedly met with Abbington – who says she was diagnosed with PTSD after appearing on the show – to ‘compare notes.’

Metro.co.uk has contactedNadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington’s representatives for comment.