Ukrainian dancer Nadiya Bychkova, who left Strictly Come Dancing after nine seasons, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join ITV's I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, according to TV insiders. The 36-year-old professional dancer is said to have impressed executives, landing her as their top choice for the jungle camp, with multiple offers coming her way following her departure from the BBC show.

The 36-year-old dancer's flurry of offers after nine years on Strictly

Bychkova's exit from Strictly was confirmed in March, and she posted an emotional Instagram message thanking fans for nearly a decade of support.. According to an entertainment insider cited in the report, her new status as a free agent has triggered a wave of opportunities. While she had previously been unavailable due to Strictly commitments, the insider said her availability now makes her a prime target for ITV, which sees her affable on-screen persona and dance background as a perfect fit for the jungle format.

The report notes that her departure was part of a broader shake-up of the Strictly professional lineup, with several other long-serving dancers also not returning for the next series. that overhaul has opened career paths into general entertainment programming, with the jungle show being a prominent next step for many former Strictly figures.

Why ITV executives made Bychkova their top choice for the jungle

According to the source, ITV executives were impressed during preliminary discussions, and Bychkova is now at the top of their desired list. The show's format thrives on charismatic participants who engage viewers through both grueling Bushtucker trials and interpersonal camp dynamics. The report suggests Bychkova's existing popularity, combined with her professional dance background, aligns well with these requirements. Her Ukrainian heritage also adds a layer of international appeal for the British reality show.

The insider claimed that Bychkova's decision to join the show is not yet final, but negotiations are advanced. The specific terms and timing remin unconfirmed, but the prospect has already sparked debate among fans of both programmes about how a ballroom dancer might handle the notoriously gritty Australian jungle environment.

Strictly's broader shake-up: new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, Josh Widdicombe and a 2026 pro pipeline

While Bychkova's potential move draws attention, the Strictly franchise itself is undergoing significant off-screen transformations. The BBC announced a new hosting team for the next series: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe will replace longstanding duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Radebe, who is part of the new roster, has stated he will no longer be a professional dancer on the show but is not retiring from performing—calling a complete removal from the dancefloor a “travesty.”

The judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas—are all confirmed to return.. Additionally, bosses have hinted at introducing brand-new professional dancers in 2026, ensuring the show's central element of celebrity-pro pairings stays fresh. These layered changes across British entertainment demonstrate the interconnected industry strategies networks use to maintain audience engagement through both familiar faces and new narratives.

What remains unknown: the other offers Bychkova is weighing

The report mentions Bychkova has received “multiple offers” but does not specify which other programmes or networks are courting her. it also does not name the insider who provided the information, leaving the source partially anonymised. Without confirmation from Bychkova or her representatives, the advanced negotiations remain speculative. The timeline for her decision—whether before the next I'm a Celebrity filming cycle or later—is also unclear,which will matter to ITV's scheduling and promotion plans.