WALTZING OUT
Strictly fans convinced pro will QUIT over backstage feud saying ‘she won’t be here next year’
'They refuse to be near each other at all on set,' a source told us
STRICTLY fans are convinced that pro Nadiya Bychkova will quit following her backstage feud with a fellow dancer.
The Sun revealed that dancers Nadiya, 35, and ex Kai Widdrington, 29 are avoiding each other behind the scenes following their break-up.
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Things are so frosty between the former couple that they are standing on opposite sides of the set during live broadcasts.
BBC viewers have also spotted the tension and believe a mass exodus is set for next year - with the Ukrainian dancer "set to leave"
One fan wrote: "I truly believe a lot of the pros will end up leaving after this year for various reasons.
"Nadiya- inevitable, she seems p***** at her treatment this year and years priors and the whole awkwardness with Kai doesn’t help."
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The eagle-eyed viewer continued: "Kai this is less likely than Nadiya but still likely, he seems to be annoyed at being benched and all that comes with it and doesn’t seem to have to have enough pull with the fans to warrant staying."
A second said: "Kai and Nadia, personally, I find them utterly forgettable so I can’t say I would be sad to see them go if I’m honest."
"I imagine Kai will stay if Nadiya leaves," a third shared.
Another added: "Kai, he’s had two great runs so one benched year wouldn’t affect that as much especially if they go back to a more even male/female split in celebs next year and he’s more likely to stay if Nadiya leaves."
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Ever Saturday night, the pros and celebrities are required to gather in the 'Clauditorium' after each Strictly pairing has performed.
But when Claudia Winkleman is interviewing the contestants, Kai and Nadiya purposely stand on opposite sides.
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A source told The Sun: "It's painfully obvious Nadiya and Kai are in the awkward post-break up phase and struggling to be near one another.
"Obviously that's the risk that comes with dating someone at work, so they're both trying their best to steer clear of each other.
"When the pair are in the Clauditorium, they're always on opposite sides. Although they may have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are running, it's been very tense between them.
"They refuse to be near each other at all on set- but there's not much room up there with all the professionals.
"They just have to do their best to avoid each other every weekend."
Strictly insiders insist the exes remain "completely professional and cordial" behind the scenes - despite the bitter break up.
Former Strictly Come Dancing couple Kai and Nadiya split over the summer after two years of dating.
Following their break-up it was reported that bosses at Strictly were considering banning workplace romances due to the tension it can cause backstage.
An insider told the that such romances "have the potential to create negative situations for Strictly and the BBC".
In September, was claimed Kai and Nadiya had to be kept apart at the National Television Awards.
An onlooker said: "When the pair got inside the O2 they gave each other a very wide berth.
"Organisers had ensured there would be no awkward camera shots by keeping the frosty pair apart from each other."
Earlier this month, Nadiya gave an update on her feelings towards her ex.
The star, who is mum to seven-year-old Mila from a previous relationship, told The Mirror: "We work together but we are not friends and that’s ok.
"One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him it will be amazing because I’m a professional."
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Kai and Nadiya called time on their romance, which began in 2022, after a stint on tour together.
There was no third party involved and pals said the pair just “grew apart” after two “blissful” years together.
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