Strictly‘s ‘golden couple’ Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington were reportedly ’emotionally drifting away’ from each other, leading to their shock split after two tears together.
MailOnline confirmed the profesional dancers, who both compete on the BBC series, split in June, at the end of their lucrative tour Behind the Magic.
It has now been reported the couple were battling off-stage problems during their tour, and the pressure of being in each other’s space 24/7, eventually ‘took its toll’ on their relationship.
A friend of Kai and Nadiya told The Sun: ‘It’s heartbreaking. 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.
Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington were reportedly ‘drifting away’ from each other while struggling with the pressures of their nationwide tour, leading to the couple’s split
MailOnline confirmed on Thursday that the professional dancers, who both compete on the BBC series, split in June, at the end of their lucrative tour Behind the Magic
‘They had been drifting emotionally for a while, and things actually came to a head during the tour – ironically called Behind The Magic – which, obviously, was incredibly problematic.’
Kai and Nadiya made the mutual decision to quit ‘after a rough few weeks’ once their tour finished, the source added.
MailOnline have contacted Kai and Nadiya’s representatives for comment.
It comes as The Daily Mail also revealed on Thursday that Nadiya has met with Strictly bosses to complain about the show, as the show’s crisis continues to widen.
Nadiya made contact with chiefs at the Corporation on Wednesday evening and was then swiftly invited in for a face-to-face meeting to discuss her concerns.
She is said to be ‘upset’ about certain matters relating to the Saturday night dance show and was keen to raise them with the BBC as they continue to carry out their investigation into Amanda Abbington‘s claims that Giovanni Pernice bullied her during rehearsals – claims which Pernice strenuously denies.
Show sources now say that the crisis is ‘worsening by the day’ as they are being more claims and accusations about Strictly – which has been the jewel in the BBC’s crown for 20 years.
One told the Mail: ‘Nadiya got in touch out of the blue and wanted to talk to the bosses. They are taking every single murmur of a complaint seriously now so she was immediately asked in.
It has now been reported the couple were battling off stage problems throughout their tour and were ’emotionally drifting’ away from each other long before their split
Nadiya and Kai are confirmed for the upcoming series of Strictly, which returns to screens in September (pictured in November 2022)
‘She has been on the show for some years so will have seen and lot and possibly also experienced unpleasant behaviour, she will have worked with many people.
‘Things really are getting serious now, it is a mess and it is getting worse by the day.
‘This is now the third complaint about some kind of issue on the programme. It came as a surprise but now the inquiry into Giovanni Pernice is ongoing it has opened the opportunity for others to complain when perhaps they wouldn’t have done before.
‘There appears to be some very unhappy people on Strictly. Now there are fears about where this will end, literally nobody knows.’
Despite reports that their split is amicable, friends of Nadiya and Kay also told the publication that they are ‘no longer on friendly terms’ which they fear will make for a frosty atmosphere when the new series begins in September.
Nadiya, 33, who was previously engaged to Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot, 36, attended Wimbledon last week on her own, while Kai, 28, visited friends and family in the States.
Ukrainian dancer Nadiya was due to attend the Police Bravery Awards alongside Kai on July 11, but he ended up going solo.
Organisers at the bash, which took place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel last Thursday, expected to host Nadiya and Kai as a couple and were surprised when the mother-of-one failed to make an appearance.
A source revealed: ‘Kai and Nadiya were supposed to be the big celebrity names at the event, so organisers were shocked when she pulled out last minute.
‘Her place name was on the table, everybody was expecting her. Kai brought a male pal instead and looked downcast, he wasn’t his usual bubbly self. There was clearly something on his mind.
‘A random guy brought him some tequila shots to his table which he sunk in an attempt to cheer him up. But clearly the split left him feeling incredibly flat.’
Nadiya started dating Kai in 2022 but the couple kept their romance a secret from Strictly fans for months.
Last year, they still lived separately, admitting they found it ‘difficult’ navigating their romance under the watchful gaze of their fan base.
In January 2022, MailOnline revealed that Nadiya had split from fiancé Matija, whom she shares seven-year-old daughter Mila.
A friend close to the couple told The Sun: ‘It’s heartbreaking. 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.’
The couple’s split comes amid continued scrutiny around Strictly after pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were sacked from the show
The pair’s romance started after Kai had a rumoured fling with his former celebrity partner AJ Odudu, which was the same Strictly season Nadiya danced with ex-BBC presenter Dan Walker.
They share an English Bulldog Snoopy while Kai has previously gushed about his close relationship with Nadiya’s daughter.
In February, Kai explained how it was ‘very important he got it right’ with Mila, who he described as ‘one of the cleverest little girls he’d ever met.’
Kai revealed the new nickname that she has for him, which he said has changed since he last appeared on the show.
He said: ‘She has a new nickname for me – I remember last time I was on the show, it was Kai Lemon Pie, but now it’s Kai Cotton Candy Pie for 2024.’
It’s been a busy few months for the pair, who after wrapping the 2023 series of the BBC One show headed out on the Strictly Come Dancing Live! tour before travelling the country with Behind the Magic.
They have both been announced in the 2024 line up for Strictly, which has come under fire in recent weeks amid claims of misconduct behind the scenes.