Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova breaks silence on 'paralysis' fear after horror fall

Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova thought she might be paralysed following a terrifying tumble during rehearsals for the latest series. The 36-year-old has revealed details about the incident for the first time, which led to her being taken to hospital in an ambulance last month.

She revealed: "It was a really scary moment. I was up on a chair and table in heels, rehearsing for a group dance, and the next thing I knew, I was on my back in pain and not really sure what was going on. There are so many things that go through your head. I was incredibly worried because I couldn't feel my left leg, and I was unable to move."

A photograph of Nadiya taken straight after the mishap revealed her with her head secured in straps, whilst another image captured her motionless on a hospital trolley in a corridor.

"I was strapped to a trolley for hours and told not to move while we waited for a scan," she revealed. "My head was held with straps and I could only look directly up. That's when you worry because you have no idea how bad it is. I was thinking it might be the end of my series or even my dancing career. I had time to think about everything and there were a lot of tears."

The Ukrainian professional dancer endured an excruciating wait for scan results to determine the extent of spinal damage.

She remembered: "The staff at the hospital were brilliant and when I was told there was no permanent damage it was the biggest relief of my life."

Remarkably, Nadiya was able to return to work in time for the new BBC series. This week, she graced the premiere of the new Downton Abbey film, where she looked radiant in a stunning white gown.

Speaking to the Mirror at the event, she said: "I was a bit battered and bruised but nothing a few trips to the physio couldn't solve... within a week I was back on the dance floor."

Reflecting on the incident, Nadiya had nothing but commendation for her colleagues on the BBC show. She expressed: "The Strictly crew were absolutely amazing. The medical team looked after me and kept me stable and warm while we waited for the ambulance."

Fellow dancer Carlos Gu received a special mention for his attempt to lift her spirits with an unusual song choice as they awaited the arrival of the ambulance. "Carlos has a song for every occasion but I'm not sure his decision to sing me Killing Me Softly was helping...it was hilarious," Nadiya chuckled.

"I couldn't laugh because of the pain so I cried but it was beautiful.

"He switched to I Will Survive and that was a much more positive message and kept me going."

When asked how she was doing now, Nadiya responded: "I'm OK. Feeling better than ever. Fighting fit and ready for an amazing series."

The comeback of Strictly is surrounded by controversy, including allegations of drug use and bullying. When asked about the various scandals, Nadiya stated: "Strictly is always in the headlines, and this year is no different.

"We are all focused on doing the best job possible. I am always so thankful to be a part of the biggest show on telly and this is my ninth year."

She added: "I would love to make it a decade next year but my focus for the next few months is making the 2025 edition of the show, with a great bunch of celebrities, the best one yet."