Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has broken her silence after missing out on a celebrity pairing for the first time since her 2017 debut.
Taking to Instagram after Saturday's launch show, the mother-of-one, 34, opted to post a lengthy message where she spoke about her disappointment.
© Getty"I'm sure you'll understand that I'm disappointed not to be partnered with a celebrity on @bbcstrictly this series," she penned.
"It is an amazing show to be a part of and I'm still so excited for all the group numbers, performing with some of our music acts and much much more."
She finished by adding: "I'm also looking forward to supporting my fellow pros and I want to wish all the couples the best of luck for the competition this year."
Alongside her written message, the dancer posted a glamorous snapshot of herself wearing a glitzy golden outfit consisting of billowing trousers and a glitzy, sequin top.
She was pictured with her flowing blonde tresses in beautiful ringlets and could be seen perfecting an elegant pose with one arm raised in the air.
© GettyNadiya's fans were quick to send their support in the comments section. Her former celebrity partner Dan Walker was amongst the first to react, writing: "No one puts the Yorkshire Barmaid in a corner [dancer emoji] Keep shining partner," while her beau Kai Widdrington gushed: "Always shining bright," followed by a diamond emoji and a red heart.
"Absolutely gutted you haven't got a partner this year," remarked a third, and a fourth added: "Nadiya it's not the same without your talent, beauty and graceful routines. I think a lot of us are shocked that you are not partnered with a celebrity."
© Guy Levy/BBCDespite missing out, Nadiya's boyfriend Kai is set to take to the dancefloor with his dance partner: 78-year-old journalist and presenter Angela Rippon.
The celebrity pairings were announced on Saturday in a spectacular launch show jam-packed with surprises and glitter galore.
© Guy Levy/BBCDuring the episode, hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman paid a very touching tribute to Amy Dowden who is currently undergoing chemotherapy and thus not competing in this year's competition.
In a moving segment, the presenting duo sweetly referred to her as their "Welsh dragon" and wished her a very speedy recovery.
© GettyThe Caerphilly-born dancer went public with her cancer diagnosis back in May. In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, the star said: "I've been through quite a lot in my life and this is another hurdle.
"But if I'm positive and strong, I've got a really good chance of getting back out on the dancefloor as soon as possible… You just don't ever think it's going to happen to you. I hadn't thought it was possible to get breast cancer at my age. My mum has had breast cancer, but she had it at a later age, in her 50s."
