NADIYA Bychkova will return to the Strictly fold as a regular It Takes Two panellist, insiders reveal.

The Ukrainian, who left the pro dancers’ roster at the start of the year, is said to be “really excited” at the prospect of being a recurring guest on the spin-off.

Laila Rouass attends the 'Tenzing' film premiere in London, wearing a bright yellow, one-shouldered gown with a thigh-high slit and a dramatic cape.
Nadiya Bychkova will return to the Strictly fold as a regular It Takes Two panellist Credit: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
Nadiya Bychkova in the audience clapping during a live show.
Nadiya was in the audience for Saturday night’s live show Credit: BBC

Nadiya, 37, popped up on It Takes Two on Friday alongside previous finalists Jay McGuinness and .

She was also in the audience for Saturday night’s live show.

A source said: “ is a much-loved member of the Strictly family and the audience loved her appearance on Friday’s It Takes Two.

“She will be back on the show tonight and the BBC hope she will make more appearances during this series, as part of the new Monday and Friday panels.

“Nadiya’s experience as a dancer and as a past professional on the show means she can give the audience brilliant insight.

“She’s delighted to be back in the Strictly fold and is really excited about appearing on the panel again.”

Nadiya, who joined Strictly in 2017, was stood down by the Beeb in a shake-up which has seen , and taking over as hosts from and .

On Saturday night the Beeb enjoyed a rise in viewers watching in real time after the first live episode — which clashed with ITV’s coverage of England’s clash against Spain — peaked at five million.

Nadiya Bychkova in a sparkling blue fringed dance costume against a pink background with falling confetti.
Nadiya left the pro dancers’ roster at the start of the year Credit: BBC
Nadiya Bychkova and Chris Robshaw dancing on the launch show of Strictly Come Dancing.
Nadiya with Chris Robshaw on Strictly in 2025 Credit: PA

The second live show was watched by 5.6million, which does not include those watching on iPlayer and catch-up.

Pop star Delta Goodrem topped the combined leaderboard at the weekend, followed by and .

Next Saturday’s show does not have a theme.

But the following one is Icons Week, which will see the Strictly pro dancers performing a special routine paying homage to .

CHRIS FAILS TO MAKE THE CUT

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CELEBRITY hairdresser Chris Appleton become the first star to get the chop when he was voted off Strictly last night.

He ended up in the bottom two in Movie Week against actress Jaime Winstone — who danced a cha-cha-cha to Oh, Pretty Woman from the Julia Roberts film.

But Chris’s cha-cha-cha to Baywatch theme I’ll Be Ready was no lifesaver as Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all voted to save Jaime.

Pop star Delta Goodrem and partner Kai Widdrington topped the combined leaderboard after their ­weekend’s dance — with dog trainer Graeme Hall nipping at their heels in second place.