Nadiya Bychkova rushed to hospital over 'pretty nasty' injury during BBC Strictly rehearsals in latest blow to series

The incident is understood to have occurred at a rehearsal space on Regent's Park Road, where professional dancers have been preparing group routines for the new series.

Bychkova experienced severe pain, particularly affecting her back, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Emergency services were summoned to the scene after the severity of the fall became apparent.

The dancer was subsequently stretchered from the building and transported via ambulance to a nearby hospital for urgent medical assessment.

Medical personnel responded swiftly to the emergency, with the London Ambulance Service confirming to The Mirror that they "sent an ambulance crew to the scene and treated one person before taking them to hospital".

Witnesses described the fall as particularly concerning, with one insider stating: "It looked pretty nasty and no-one was taking any chances. The Strictly crew rushed into action and she was stretchered out."

Production staff immediately prioritised Bychkova's wellbeing, ensuring she received appropriate medical attention.

A source close to the programme also told the publication: "As a precaution, following a fall during rehearsals, Nadiya was taken to hospital for checks and is receiving full support from medical and welfare teams.

"Rehearsals continue and the Strictly team are in close contact with Nadiya."

The dancer underwent extensive medical examinations over several hours before being discharged from hospital later that day.

Sources indicate that whilst the injury appeared serious initially, Bychkova has since left the medical facility.

The accident occurred as professional dancers were deep into preparations for the forthcoming series, which returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in September.

Bychkova, who joined the programme in 2017 and was partnered with Olympic swimmer Tom Dean in the most recent series, had been rehearsing alongside fellow professionals when the incident happened.

Medical and welfare teams continue to monitor her recovery, with the production maintaining regular contact to ensure she receives appropriate support throughout her recuperation.

The timing of Bychkova's accident coincides with the announcement of contestants for the 2025 series.

Six celebrities have been confirmed for the upcoming competition, including YouTube personality George Clarke, who admitted: "Never thought I'd say this... but I'm doing Strictly! Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in... and potentially fall over a fair bit."

EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal was revealed during a live segment on Good Morning Britain, whilst Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Doctor Who star Alex Kingston and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were announced on The One Show.

Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, competing under his alter-ego Nitro, was the first celebrity confirmed for the series.

The programme returns with presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, alongside judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas.