BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Nadiya Bychkova says 'I can't wait' as she reveals long-standing connection to co-star

Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova has shared her excitement at news one of her friends is returning to the show as she revealed their long-standing connection. It was revealed last month that the dancer will be back in the ballroom for the BBC One dance contest's 2024 series.

The professional dancers who will be returning to Strictly alongside Nadiya later this year are Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

But in a late addition to the 20th anniversary series, it was confirmed that Aljaz Skorjanec will be back after a two-year hiatus. The 19-time Slovenian champion in Ballroom, Latin and Ten Dance, was part of the show for nine seasons of the hit competition before leaving before the 2022 series.

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Fans, who were gutted at the time of his exit, will also remember he lifted the Glitterball in his debut year with Abbey Clancy in 2013 before later being runner-up in 2017 with celebrity partner, and now friend, Gemma Atkinson.

After he revealed the news live on The One Show, Aljaz then took to social media and shared a snap of himself appearing all suited and booted. Alongside it, Aljaz wrote: "Here it goes... @bbcstrictly is back for the 20th anniversary this autumn…. and so am I!" He added: "So grateful for this very special opportunity. Can’t wait to be back in that iconic ballroom, and to get the chance for my