In a moment that left viewers reaching for the tissues, Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova has given her most emotional interview yet – revealing the one thing she now refuses to take for granted after a year that tested her like never before.

The Ukrainian-born dancer, 35, fought back tears as she spoke candidly about how her young daughter Mila has become her absolute world, especially after the devastating events that have rocked her life and her homeland.

Sitting down for an exclusive chat with The Sun, Nadiya – who is currently partnered with Olympian Tom Dean on the 2025 series – admitted that every single day with her little girl now “means more than ever”.

“I never take for granted the time I spend with Mila,” she said, her voice cracking. “Being a mum, being able to hold her, to kiss her goodnight… after everything that’s happened, it feels so precious. You realise how fragile life can be.”

The raw honesty came as Nadiya reflected on the terrifying moments when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced her family to flee their homeland. Back in 2022, as bombs fell and the war escalated, Nadiya – who was already living in the UK – watched helplessly as her parents and relatives endured the horror unfolding in their country.

She has spoken before about the agony of being separated from loved ones, but this time her words carried an extra weight. “Every time I hug Mila, I think about the children in Ukraine who don’t have that safety,” she confessed. “I think about my own family still there. It changes everything. I cherish every second.”

Nadiya’s emotional update comes amid a whirlwind Strictly season where she has been praised for her fiery routines and unbreakable spirit. But behind the sequins and smiles, the dancer has been quietly battling the toll of the ongoing war – a conflict that has now stretched into its fourth year.

Fans have watched her blossom into one of the show’s most popular pros since joining in 2017. She’s lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Kelvin Fletcher in 2019 and has been a regular finalist ever since. Yet for all her on-screen success, it’s her role as a mother that now feels more important than any trophy.

“Mila is my everything,” Nadiya told The Sun. “She’s four now, full of energy, full of questions. When she asks me about Ukraine, I have to be so careful. I want her to know her heritage, but I also want to protect her from the sadness.”

The dancer revealed how she’s made a conscious effort to create happy memories for Mila in London, taking her to parks, baking together, and – when possible – bringing a touch of Ukrainian tradition into their home. “We dance around the kitchen to Ukrainian songs,” she smiled through tears. “It’s our little way of keeping that part of our culture alive.”

Nadiya’s partner this year, Olympic diver Tom Dean, has also become a huge part of her support system. The pair have formed an instant bond on the dancefloor, and off it, Tom has been a rock for Nadiya during some of her toughest moments.

“Tom is amazing,” she said. “He’s so kind, so understanding. When I’m having a tough day thinking about home, he just listens. He gets it. That means the world.”

The Strictly family has rallied around her too. Fellow pros and celebrities have been seen offering hugs and support backstage, while viewers have flooded social media with messages of love and solidarity.

One fan wrote on Instagram: “Nadiya is the strongest woman I know. Sending love to her and little Mila from the UK and Ukraine.” Another added: “This woman carries so much on her shoulders and still gives us the most beautiful dances every week. Legend.”

The war in Ukraine has touched every aspect of Nadiya’s life. She has raised thousands of pounds for Ukrainian charities through Strictly appearances and personal fundraisers. Last year she danced a poignant routine to a Ukrainian folk song that left the studio in tears – a moment that still brings goosebumps to anyone who watched it.

Now, as the 2025 series heats up, Nadiya is determined to keep shining – not just for herself, but for her daughter and her country.

“I want Mila to see her mummy fighting, working hard, and never giving up,” she said. “I want her to be proud. And I want to show the world that Ukraine is strong, that we are still here, still dancing, still living.”

Her words struck a chord with millions. Within hours of the interview going live, #NeverTakeForGranted began trending on social media, alongside countless tributes to Nadiya’s grace under pressure.

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have described her as “the heart and soul of the show” this year. And with her emotional honesty, it’s easy to see why. In an industry often criticised for being all glitz and glamour, Nadiya has reminded us that beneath the sparkle there are real people with real pain – and real hope.

As she prepares for the next live show, Nadiya says she’s focusing on the present. “I’m here, I’m safe, my daughter is safe. That’s everything. The rest? We’ll deal with it one day at a time.”

For millions of viewers who have followed her journey from the very beginning, Nadiya Bychkova is more than just a dancer – she’s a symbol of resilience, love, and unbreakable spirit.

And as she continues to light up the Strictly ballroom, one thing is certain: every step she takes, every smile she gives, every tear she sheds – it all means more than ever.

We’re rooting for you, Nadiya. Always.