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Kirsten McStay & Sara-Aisha Kent

Strictly Come Dancing pro Nadiya Bychkova 'splits' from Slovenian footballer fiancé

Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova, 32, has reportedly split from her Slovenian footballer fiancé Matija Škarabot, 33.

The BBC pro, who danced with Dan Walker in the most recent series, shares a five-year-old daughter with Matija.

"Nadiya and Matija haven't been together for some time now," an insider close to the beauty told MailOnline.

"Matija is dedicated to his footballing career in Slovenia and Nadiya is predominantly based in London.

"Performing on Strictly and the Strictly Live Tour takes up half her year, in the end the commitment to their jobs made it too difficult for the relationship to work."

The source added that the former couple is focused on their daughter Mila and co-parenting the best they can.

It is also understood that Matija is no longer following Nadiya on social media.

Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova has split from her Slovenian footballer fiancé Matija Škarabot (Instagram)

BBC Breakfast star Dan and Nadiya became great pals when dancing on Strictly and she said that he made her 'feel safe' and 'to be herself for the first time.'

After the pair crashed out, Nadiya was full of praise for her dance partner as she reflected on their time on the show.

Nadiya was nearly in tears as she thanked BBC Breakfast host Dan for giving her the confidence and allowing her to be authentically herself.

Speaking on Strictly: It Takes Two, Nadiya said: "It was very special to me. I loved teaching him, but at the same time, I learned so much from him. You gave me the confidence in front of the camera.

The former couple share a daughter (Nadiya Bychkova/Instagram)

"You managed to create that environment for me where I felt safe, and I felt free to be myself for the first time."

She added: "Your friendship gave me wings to fly again."

Dan was clearly taken aback by Nadiya's kind words, as he added to host Rylan Clark: "I think dancing is one thing but friendship is important isn't it, and I think it means a lot to both of us. That's the ultimate complement someone can give to someone."

After their exit, the presenter confessed he would have saved AJ and Kai as he heaped praise on Nadiya.

"By the way I would have saved AJ and Kai as well! The last 11 weeks have been absolutely amazing, I’ve genuinely loved every second of it," he said, "When I go back to the first day when I was asked to dance in front of some glitter balls, at that point, if there had been a fire exit, I’d have just walked away.

"But this amazing woman grabbed me by the hand, and brought me out onto this dance floor. I’m not a dancer, but she showed me that I can dance, and that for me, this has been an absolutely incredible experience."

He added: "Thank you to the judges, your feedback every week has been brilliant, and really constructive and helpful, and everyone over there, my fellow competitors, have been brilliant."

Whilst Nadiya added: "Like he said, sometimes the right person walks into your life at the right time and that’s what happened. You always encourage everyone, you always have time for everyone, it just inspires me to be a better person myself. Thank you."

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