THEY’RE one of the few Strictly Come Dancing pairings to have remained inseparable since contesting the show – and now Dan Walker and Nadiya Bychkova are about to be closer than ever.
TV host Dan, 48, and Ukrainian pro dancer Nadiya, 36, who were teamed up for the BBC One show’s 2021 series, have launched their own showbiz production firm called Butterfly Entertainment.
TV host Dan Walker and Strictly partner Nadiya Bychkova have teamed up off the dancefloor to launch their own production company[/caption]
Nadiya and Dan were teamed up for the BBC show’s 2021 series[/caption]
Nadiya and Channel 5 news anchor Dan are listed as directors of the firm[/caption]
Nadiya, a single mother of one, and married dad-of-three Dan, made it to the Strictly quarter-finals after developing a sensational chemistry.
A TV insider said: “They formed a genuine bond on the show and have maintained a relationship ever since, albeit a relatively low-key one.
“They have been pictured out together in public and often attend the same events but arrive separately at different times.
“After four years of remaining close, it’s perhaps not surprising they have gone into business together, particularly one which is within the arena of TV and filmmaking.”
Butterfly Entertainment was set up last month and its business is listed as production and programming of motion pictures and TV, as well as the performing arts.
Only Nadiya and Channel 5 news anchor Dan are listed as directors of the firm, in which they have an equal number of shares. Her job listed as “entertainer”, his as “TV presenter”.
The fact they have created their own company will be no big surprise to their friends, who know how close they really are.
When they were voted off Strictly — which returns to BBC One and iPlayer on September 20 — Dan could not praise Nadiya enough.
‘You’re my lobster’
He said: “There are some people who walk into your life and turn some lights on and that’s what she has done to me.
“You’re an amazing person, and if you’ll have me, I’ll be your friend for life, Nadiya Bychkova — OK?”
But while many a Strictly star makes sentimental pledges in the heat of the moment, it seems Dan has stuck to his word.
Meanwhile bombshell Nadiya reciprocated with similar words.
Around the same time, she said of Dan: “I made a great friend. It feels like we’ll stay friends for life. Dan is probably one of the kindest people on this planet. He is very caring and always looking after other people. He is selfless and a gentleman.”
Naturally, they have tried not to flaunt their relationship, to avoid fanning rumours that inevitably swirl concerning so-called Curse of Strictly — which sees pre-show relationships ruined by new romances that develop during filming.
Watched Nadiya Bychkova do her thing in Sheffield last night at her solo show. It was AMAZING.
Dan on Nadiya
Lifelong Christian Dan lives in his home city Sheffield with wife-of-24-years Sarah, 50, son Joe, 13, and daughters Jessica, 16, and Susie, 18.
Sarah was Dan’s sweetheart when they were at university in the steel city but, despite being seen briefly when he was on Strictly, she now prefers to avoid the limelight as well as social media.
She leaves the showbiz life to Dan, who is often seen attending the same glitzy events as Nadiya when they are in the capital together.
Only this week, they were both at the London premiere of the third and final Downton Abbey movie. They arrived separately but were both happy to be pictured on red carpet, dressed to the nines.
It was a similar story in June at the Tric Awards. They were seen together inside the swanky TV and radio industries bash at the Grosvenor Hotel in London’s Mayfair, but after making solo entrances.
Nadiya proudly revealed the personalised painting Dan gave her, capturing them dancing against a Sheffield backdrop[/caption]
In 2021, Nadiya even moved to Sheffield temporarily to rehearse more with Dan for Strictly — and in February this year, he posted a picture of him with her on his Instagram when she was touring with Strictly in Sheffield.
He captioned the snap: “Watched Nadiya Bychkova do her thing in Sheffield last night at her solo show. It was AMAZING.”
The beaming pair were later seen embracing in the car park and snapping a selfie together, before heading their separate ways.
The following month they were spotted having lunch in a Vietnamese restaurant in London, where they were said to be “brainstorming some exciting projects and ideas”.
A source said then: “Dan and Nadiya got on from the off and it’s really sweet to see their friendship still going from strength to strength.”
Nadiya often includes lobster emojis in Instagram posts dedicated to Dan.
The phrase “You’re my lobster” became popular thanks to TV sitcom Friends, to refer to a soulmate. The pair performed a jive to The B-52’s hit Rock Lobster during their time on Strictly.
The support Dan and Nadiya show one another, privately and publicly, is said to be at the heart of their close relationship.
When he made the brave decision to quit the BBC, and jumped ship to Channel 5’s news service in 2022, she backed him all the way.
Dan and Nadiya got on from the off and it’s really sweet to see their friendship still going from strength to strength.
Source close to Dan and Nadiya
Dan had been a shoulder to cry on when, in 2021, Nadiya ended her engagement to Slovenian footballer Matija Škarabot, the father of her five-year-old daughter.
He was also there when she split with fellow Strictly pro dancer Kai Widdrington, 30, after starting a romance with him around the same time that she was performing with Dan on the show.
The same year, Nadiya — expected to pair on this year’s Strictly with former England rugby star Chris Robshaw due to her being so tall — was left without a partner for the 21st series.
Personalised painting gift
When the bombshell dropped, she was reserved in her reaction, expressing just “disappointment”.
But Dan immediately took to social media to vocalise what many fans of the dance show were thinking.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “Strictly is such an amazing show and it’s almost time for the new series, what a great line-up this year.
“All the pros are great but gutted to hear that @nadiyabychkova hasn’t got a partner.
“I’m sure she’s still looking forward to being part of the biggest show on TV. But it feels like putting Messi on the bench for the World Cup Final!”
Meanwhile in 2021, Nadiya very proudly showed off the thoughtful Christmas present Dan had given her — a personalised painting of them dancing together, against a backdrop of Sheffield.
Just a few weeks later, she posted a video on Instagram of her signing her 2022 calendar — and reserving one for Dan.
Lifelong Christian Dan lives in his home city Sheffield with wife-of-24-years Sarah, 50, son Joe, 13, and daughters Jessica, 16, and Susie, 18[/caption]
She purred: “So many of you were asking if Daniel has my calendar, he didn’t. He’s had enough of my face in 2021.”
But then she seemed to have a change of heart and added: “I’m not sure when I’m going to see him in 2022 — so this one is for you, partner.”
Now it looks liked the former dance partners are going to see a lot more of one another, as they are officially business partners.
Dance pairings who have taken the next step
Johannes Radebe and Annabel Croft are Strictly partners who supported each other through grief and stayed close afterwards[/caption]
JOHANNES RADEBE & ANNABEL CROFT: Former tennis star Annabel met dance partner Johannes in 2023 and finished fourth.
Two weeks before the season began, while Annabel was grieving the death of her husband Mel Coleman, Johannes suddenly lost his cousin to suicide.
Both have credited the other with helping them process their grief.
Since Strictly, the pair reunited at various events including a House of JoJo tour, a Caravan show, The Strictly Live Tour and Wimbledon.
Aljaz Skorjanec and Sara Davies’ Strictly partnership turned into a full family friendship[/caption]
ALJAZ SKORJANEC & SARA DAVIES: Dragons’ Den star Sara hit it off with dance partner Aljaz in 2021.
Their time on Strictly might have ended after eight weeks, but their friendship certainly didn’t.
Aljaz and his Strictly star wife Jannette have even been spotted on holiday with Sara’s husband and children.
Sara revealed her boys “absolutely idolise “Uncle Aljaz”.
BILL BAILEY & OTI MABUSE: Comedian Bill Bailey left Strictly in 2020 not just with the Glitterball Trophy but a new pal in Oti.
She has described Bill as one of her best friends, adding that he still attends her dance classes.
Bill even suggested Oti name her first born baby after him.
While appearing on Loose Women in 2023, he said: “When she said she was having a baby, I said here’s a couple of names for you – Bill for a boy, obviously, and Bailey if it’s a girl. It makes perfect sense.”
ED BALLS & KATYA JONES: Ex-Labour heavyweight Ed clicked instantly with partner Katya in 2016, with their Gangnam Style dance going down in Strictly history.
Despite Ed’s lack of technical skill Katya described him as a “hard worker” and a “wonderful friend”.
Since Strictly Katya has posted snaps of the pair enjoying a roast, thanking GMB host Ed for his “continuous support”.
ANGELA RIPPON & KAI WIDDRINGTON: Broadcaster Angela found an “unlikely best pal” in Kai despite their 51 year age gap.
The pair participated in the 2023 series and say they have kept in close contact ever since. To mark Angela’s 80th birthday, Kai surprised her on The One Show with a bouquet of flowers.
He said: “There’s a 51-year age gap between the two of us, but we feel like we’ve known each other for 51 years.
“We said that when we departed the competition in Blackpool, but it really has stayed that way ever since.
“We speak nearly every day. I think today’s the only day that we haven’t spoken!”
ELLIE LEACH & VITO COPPOLA: Despite romance rumours, actress Ellie insists she and dance partner Vito are just friends.
The pair won the Glitterball Trophy in 2023 and got matching bee tattoos to mark the end of their journey.
Post Strictly, Vito was one of the first to see Ellie perform in stage play Cluedo 2 and they are still in regular contact.
Ellie told OK! mag: “Vito’s part of my family now, he’ll be in my life forever.”
Amy Dowden says Strictly partner Tom Fletcher helped save her life[/caption]
TOM FLETCHER & AMY DOWDEN: McFly rocker Tom has been a rock to dance partner Amy during their 2021 season and beyond. Amy, who has Crohn’s disease, suffered a major flare up mid-competition, leaving her hospitalised.
The Fletchers welcomed Amy into their family home and she became very close with Tom’s wife Giovanna.
In 2023 Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment and almost died of sepsis.
She claims her partnership with Tom saved her life as she would never have checked her breasts for lumps had Giovanna not invited her on a trek with breast cancer charity CoppaFeel! to encourage people to check for lumps.
ANTON DU BEKE & RUTH LANGSFORD: TV presenter Ruth found a pal for life in Anton when they met in 2017.
They lasted eight weeks on the contest.
Ruth described Anton as “the loveliest man” and “best partner ever” in a touching birthday post, and the pair regularly support each other at events.