Nadiya Bychkova has reportedly been demoted to the status of backup dancer for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The 31-year-old has been part of the show since 2017 and in the three series since has been partnered with EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami, Blue singer Lee Ryan and former footballer David James.

According to The Sun, Bychkova has been told that she will not be given a celebrity partner for this year's series, which begins at the end of next month.

"Nadiya is obviously gutted not to have a partner on the show this year," a show source told the newspaper.

"She's wondering if it was a mistake to adopt such a flirtatious approach to her partners.

"Bosses really want this year's show to be scandal-free. There is a huge emphasis on everyone being professional."

The news comes a week after it emerged that Neil Jones has also been demoted to background dancer for the new series.