SHOW bosses are ready to sign Ukrainian Kateryna Klishyna, who has been branded “the new Nadiya Bychkova”.
BBC producers have auditioned the 29-year-old dancer, who has previously appeared on America’s Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, in Ukraine.
She will be one of five new professional dancers to join the series.
Nadiya, 36, was axed after nine years in March, alongside Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gorka Marquez.
A source said: “Bosses love Kateryna.
“Many will see her as Nadiya’s replacement as they look so similar.”
The BBC was approached for comment.
Ukrainian ballroom dancer Nadiya had her meeting with bosses in March and was said to be “gutted”.
It comes after she has had partnerships with Dan Walker and Lee Ryan, but failed toever make the final.
A source said: “Nadiya is distraught. The news came as such a huge shock as Nadiya’s life was Strictly and to find out she’s not been invited back as full time pro has really broken her heart.
“No one was expecting producers to chop so many professionals.
“Especially someone like Nadiya, who’s shown so much dedication to the show over the years. There’s a super weird feeling among the rest of the pros now, they’re all wondering if they’re safe and everyone’s nervous.”
