BBC Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova 'supported by her rock' Tom Dean amid Kai Widdrington split

Professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova and her celebrity dance partner Tom Dean have reportedly remained close following their exit from Strictly Come Dancing as they support each other

Strictly Come Dancing pair Nadiya Bychkova and Tom Dean have been supporting each other amid their heartbreak, it's been reported.

Despite them having a short-lived stint on the 2024 series of the hit BBC dance competition, the pair have remained close. Professional dancer Nadiya, 35, is said to have called Tom her "rock" as she deals with her break up from fellow pro Kai Widdrington. They decided to call time on their romance over the summer after two years together.

Tom has also been dealing with heartbreak of his own, as it has been revealed he split from girlfriend Charlotte Phillips two weeks into the series. The Olympic swimmer, 24, and Nadiya became the first pair voted off Strictly this year. His romance had reportedly "naturally run its course" and the break-up was "nothing" to do with the BBC show.

Following their time on Strictly, Nadiya and Tom have remained close and have enjoyed meals out together. Nadiya has also spent time with Tom and his sister Connie as they headed on a night out at Bocconcino restaurant in London’s Mayfair. A source said: “Nadiya and Tom were both gutted that they didn’t go further in the competition, but have been able to get to know each other away from the dancefloor.”

They added to the Sun: “Nadiya has always said that Tom is a complete gentleman. He’s been a rock to her since she split from Kai.” It has been claimed the pair have both "comforted" each other amid their heartbreak. The former dance partners also attended the Pride of Britain Awards together, alongside other contestants and pros from the latest series, just a few weeks ago.

Whilst at the annual awards ceremony, Nadiya spoke about her split from colleague Kai. They began dating in 2022, whilst both on Strictly, but it was announced earlier this year that they had parted ways. It was reported at the time the split was amicable, but claims later emerged that the couple are "no longer on friendly terms".

Speaking to the Mirror at the event last month, she said: "We work together but we are not friends and that's ok. One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him it will be amazing because I'm a professional." This week, Nadiya has been named as one of the five professionals who could be facing the axe from Strictly.

It has been claimed Nadiya, Neil Jones, 42, Karen Hauer, 42, Gorka Marquez, 34, and Katya Jones, 35, are the five in question. They have been dubbed the "fading stars" of the Strictly professional dancers lineup and bosses reportedly seek "younger, up and coming counterparts".

Meanwhile, amid reports of Tom's split from his girlfriend a source told the Daily Mail: "Like in so many breakups, Tom and Lottie's year-long relationship had naturally run its course and it has nothing to do with Strictly, it just happened to be in the first two weeks that they decided to part ways." The source added: "They are still good friends and it's all amicable between them."

The Mirror has contacted Tom and Nadiya's representatives for comment.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.