Strictly's Dan Walker sparks rumours he is partnered with pro Nadiya Bychkova

BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker has sparked speculation he is partnered with Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova. 

Official announcements of the celebrity and dancer pairings will not be made until Saturday’s launch episode, however the star, 31, was spotted departing rehearsals half an hour before the Ukrainian-Slovenian ballroom dancer. 

In images obtained by Mirror, Dan wore shorts and a black tee as he stepped out of the rehearsal space before Nadiya, 32, emerged with a suitcase and holdall – leading to speculation over the top secret pairing. 

Starring role: BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker has sparked speculation he is partnered with Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova

Dan looked as though he had been hard at work as he emerged in the comfortable ensemble just 30 minutes before Nadiya emerged. 

Speaking on Instagram the previous evening, he said of his partner: ‘I can’t tell you who my partner is [but] I can tell you she’s brilliant and I’m learning an awful lot from her. I can’t tell you what we’re dancing.’

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly and Dan for comment. 

Last year, Nadiya, who has been on the show since 2017, was demoted to support dancer, however she has returned to the main line up. 

Dazzling: Official announcements of the celebrity and dancer pairings will not be made until Saturday’s launch episode, however the star, 31, was spotted departing rehearsals half an hour before the Ukrainian-Slovenian ballroom dancer

She previously danced with EastEnders’ Davood Ghadami, Blue star Lee Ryan and former England goalkeeper, David James.  

The appearance comes after Dan hinted he’s not keen on the idea of wearing spandex during this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

He did however reassure fans they can expect to see him in sequins, adding that ‘a tiny bit of tanning’ might also be involved.

Taking part in a fan Q&A on Strictly’s official Twitter page, Dan, 44, said: ‘I’m not saying there’s going to be spandex, OK?’

Staging things: Dan looked as though he had been hard at work as he emerged in the comfortable ensemble just 30 minutes before Nadiya emerged

The journalist was asked: ‘Are you ready for the spandex and sequins?’ and while he promised he was ‘ready to embrace the Strictly experience’ Dan didn’t sound too excited about the prospect of skin-tight looks.

He added: ‘But there might be sequins and potentially a tiny bit of tanning.’

While strutting his stuff in the short clip, Dan was also asked: ‘Who is your favourite former Strictly contestant?’

‘My favourite Strictly contestant ever, it’s a tough choice,’ he replied.

‘But I think I’d go for the one and only Ed Balls. He was willing to strut it, willing to show what he’s got and I think he embodied everything that Strictly is about.’ 

Working hard: Speaking on Instagram the previous evening, he said of his partner: ‘I can’t tell you who my partner is [but] I can tell you she’s brilliant and I’m learning an awful lot from her. I can’t tell you what we’re dancing’