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'Strictly' pro Nadiya Bychkova reveals dad and grandparents are stuck in Ukraine

Nadiya Bychkova has relatives in Ukraine. (PA)
Nadiya Bychkova has relatives in Ukraine. (PA)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Nadiya Bychkova has revealed that her dad and grandparents are still stuck in Ukraine amid the ongoing crisis.

The Ukrainian-Slovenian dancer said that her father was unable to flee the country because of his age, presumably as men aged 18 to 60 are apparently unable to leave Ukraine right now.

Appearing on This Morning, she said: “I have some family there and friends.

Read more: Motsi Mabuse's Ukrainian in-laws will live with her 'forever'

When presenter Alison Hammond said that the situation was heart-breaking, Bychkova agreed: “It is. It’s very sad.”

The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova - (C) BBC - Photographer: Guy Levy
Nadiya Bychkova dad has not been able to leave Ukraine. (BBC)

She went on: “My dad couldn’t get out of there because of his age, he is too young to leave the country because of the situation.

"My grandparents are too old.”

“I am trying to keep them safe,” said the TV star.

“Some of my friends got the chance to get somewhere in Europe, so they are safe.

“But I’m trying to check up on them, every day we are in contact."

She added that she hopes it's solved as soon as possible.

Bychkova was on the ITV show along with her fellow Strictly star Graziano Di Prima, to discuss the upcoming pro tour.

Graziano Di Prima attending the WhatsOnStage Awards at the Prince Of Wales Theatre, London. Picture date: Sunday February 27, 2022.
Graziano Di Prima was on 'This Morning' with Nadiya Bychkova. (PA)

Both addressed the shock exit of former pro Aljaz Skorjanec.

The dancer announced last month that he was leaving the BBC ballroom contest, saying he had decided "a little while ago" that the 2021 series would be his last.

Read more: Judge Rinder: UK response to Ukraine refugee crisis an 'embarrassment'

Hammond asked the pair about it and Bychkova said: "Just the thought of him not being there…"

Di Prima then chimed in: "It's so weird to not have Aljaz on the show. He's one of the guys that in the room, he is the one who will literally make us all laugh and say, 'Come on guys, let's push, let's go.' We are going to miss him so much."

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