Strictly’s Nadiya Bychkova ‘supported by rock’ Tom Dean after Kai Widdrington split

Strictly duo Nadiya Bychkova and Tom Dean were the first couple to be booted from the BBC competition - but they have remained close since they left the show.

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Strictly Come Dancing partners Nadiya Bychkova and Tom Dean have reportedly been supporting one another following their recent heartbreaks. Despite the pair having a short-lived stint on the 2024 series of the beloved BBC dance competition, the dance partners have remained close. The professional dancer, 35, is said to have called the Olympian, 24, her “rock” as she deals with her split from fellow pro Kai Widdrington .

The pair decided to call time on their relationship this summer after two years of dating. But she’s not the only person feeling heartbreak this year after Tom recently split from Charlotte Phillips just two weeks into the series. The swimmer and Daniya became the first pair to be booted from the competition this year.



It was claimed that his romance had “naturally run its course” and that his breakup was “nothing” to do with the reality show. Following their time on Strictly, Nadiya and Tom have remained close and have even enjoyed meals out together. The entertainer has also spent time with Tom and his sister Connie as they headed out for a delicious mean at Bocconcino restaurant in London’s Mayfair.

A source said: “Nadiya and Tom have comforted each other following their breakups. They both love golf and have been going for lunches after their early Strictly exit. “Nadiya and Tom were both gutted that they didn’t go further in the competition, but have been able to get to know each other away from the dancefloor.

” The insider added to The Sun : “Nadiya has always said that Tom is a complete gentleman. He’s been a rock to her since she split from Kai.” It has been claimed that the pair have both “comforted” each other as they come to terms with their recent splits.

The former dance partners also attended the Pride of Britain Awards together, alongside other contestants and pros from the BBC series a few weeks ago. Whilst at the awards ceremony, Nadiya spoke about her breakup from colleague Kai. They first began dating back in 2022 while they performed together on Strictly, but it was announced earlier this year that they had parted ways.

It was reported that their separation was amicable, but claims later emerged that the duo are “no longer on friendly terms”. Speaking to the Mirror at the star-studded event last month, she said: “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 professional.

” Meanwhile, following reports of Tom’s split from his girlfriend, a source told the Daily Mail : “Like in so many breakups, Tom and Lottie’s year-long relationship had naturally run its course and it has nothing to do with Strictly, it just happened to be in the first two weeks that they decided to part ways. “They are still good friends and it’s all amicable between them.” Daily Express has contacted Tom and Nadiya’s representatives for a comment.

It comes after Nadiya was named as one of the five professionals who could be facing the axe from Strictly. It has been claimed Nadiya, Neil Jones, 42, Karen Hauer, 42, Gorka Marquez, 34, and Katya Jones, 35, are the five who have found themselves at risk..