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Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington split after two years of dating in latest blow for under-fire show
A friend of the couple has spoken about what led to the split
THE curse of Strictly Come Dancing has struck again - with Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova splitting up in another blow to the under-fire show, The Sun can reveal.
The poster couple of the hit Saturday night show were on tour together last month.
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No third party is involved and pals say the pair just “grew apart” after two “blissful” years together.
“It’s heartbreaking,” a friend said.
“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.
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“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.”
The Sun revealed how Kai and Nadiya started dating in 2022.
They fell in love while Nadiya, 33, from Ukraine, was partnered with then-BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, and Southampton-born Kai, 27, was dancing with AJ Odudu.
They gave their first joint interview in January last year.
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Kai told us: “I think I speak for most of the men in Britain when I say that they would find Nadiya absolutely drop-dead gorgeous — and I still have to pinch myself sometimes.
“We liked each other, and we were texting and having phone calls and so on, and yeah, it blossomed from there.
Inside Strictly stars Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova's £567 a night luxury Maldives holiday
“Then one day I was like ‘do you want to go out for dinner?’, and it went from there.”
The couple share an English Bulldog, Snoopy, and Kai previously admitted he could see himself proposing to Nadiya.
He added: “We are very happy together and we don’t want this to end. Of course we want to be together for life, so we will see where it goes.”
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After they fell in love, Kai and Nadiya chose to keep their relationship low key on the set of Strictly.
Kai explained: “We knew that it would come out and that it would be a big thing, so we kept it private for as long as we could, which was both annoying and exciting at the same time.
“It was one of those things. We would go somewhere and only we knew we were there.
“Sometimes we would go out in disguise, or baseball caps pulled down low, etc, and we knew this period of time was only going to last a little bit
“We did let our bosses know as a professional courtesy, that was our decision.
“The BBC were totally fine with it, plus our relationship never crosses into work.”
The Sun has contacted a representative of Kai and Nadiya for comment.
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
"Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away."
He continued: "While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
"I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future."
He concluded the post: "I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story."
It comes after Strictly professional Graziano Di Prima, 30, was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked former celebrity partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals.
The claims against him emerged in the inquiry into fellow show professional Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards former star Amanda Abbington.
Giovanni also quit the show earlier this year and is under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
Meanwhile, The Sun exclusively revealed a third Strictly star has been identified as a "person of interest" with the star's name being given to lawyers.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Graziano has now re-located overseas to start a new life on a farm in Sicily after releasing a statement on his sacking.
Zara has also spoken out in an emotional Instagram post - and now says she has her sights set on the future and TV career.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".
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