Nadiya Bychkova and Tom Dean became the first couple to be eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday evening in a shock and controversial decision by the judges.
The pair were sent packing despite being in the dance-off against Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones, who were favourites to leave after receiving a score of just 12 in last week’s opening show. Meanwhile, Bychkova and Dean’s dance was heavily applauded by judges on Saturday night.
Nadiya Bychkova stated she was ‘devastated’ as she broke her silence following last night’s shock elimination
BBC
Describing her devastation, Bychkova’s post continued: “Tom had so much to give and I had so much I wanted to teach him. His improvement in the last 2 weeks has been incredible and I think, actually I know, he could have become a brilliant dancer.
“I’m devastated that you won’t get to see that. My 3-time Olympic Champion was an amazing student and is a wonderful gentleman.
“He will go on to bigger and better things and I know this year he could have had a brilliant Strictly story.
“I love this show and I want to wish the other couples all the best and I’m sure it’s going to be a great series. Thank you for your kindness.” (sic)
While her second post displayed a gracious stance towards the show, her earlier photo was accompanied by a cryptic statement, which remains on her social media page.
She had initially penned: “I really appreciate all the messages but I’m not ready to talk about what happened tonight just yet.”
Many fellow dancers and Strictly viewers left messages of support in the comments under each photo, with several slamming the decision by the judges.
Furious viewers even accused the show of being “fixed,” arguing the judges had clearly made “the wrong decision”.
Craig Revel Horwood, Mostsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas ultimately saved Willcox and Jones, while Anton Du Beke gave his vote to Bychkova and Dean.
Meanwhile, Dean himself has also broken his silence as he shared a post on his own social media account.
Sharing a photo of himself and his dance partner performing on the show, the swimmer wrote: “Coming straight from the Paris 2024 Olympics into Strictly Come Dancing has been a whirlwind but I’m so so proud.
“The journey may have ended a little earlier than I hoped and of course I am so gutted, but I’m so grateful for all the amazing people I met, people I’ll be cheering on throughout and who I know will continue to smash it.
“And to my brilliant partner @nadiyabychkova , thank you so much for everything. You’ve been an amazing teacher and to have danced alongside you has been an absolute privilege. Over and out Strictly! You’ve been an absolute blast.” (sic)