Dan Walker treats Strictly partner Nadiya to very personal Christmas present

BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker struck up a very close bond with Strictly Come Dancing partner Nadiya on this year’s series

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

The video will auto-play soon8Cancel

Play now

Strictly: Nadiya Bychkova praises Dan Walker after elimination

Dan Walker treated former Strictly co-star Nadiya Bychkova to a very special Christmas gift, that left the professional dancer overcome with professional.

The pair struck up a close friendship after starring together in this year’s dance contest, where they reached the quarter-finals.

Proving their continued affection for one another, BBC Breakfast host Dan, 44, posted a photo of a beaming Nadiya proudly clutching the Christmas present he’d given her.

The personalised gift was a portrait of Nadiya and Dan dancing surrounded by images of all the things the blonde dancer ‘loves’ about Sheffield.

Nadiya, temporarily moved to the Steel City, where Dan lives with wife Sarah and their three kids aged 14, 12, and ten, so she could rehearse with the TV star during his time on Strictly.

During the series, Nadiya told host Claudia Winkleman: “I’m absolutely in love with Sheffield. I think it’s amazing.

“I’m almost part of Dan’s family now. We have some amazing curry nights when I’m in Sheffield,” gushed the Ukraine-born star.

In a bid to keep the fond memories alive, Dan took to Instagram to share his special present for Nadiya.

“Lots of people have asked me if I got my Professional Partner @nadiyabychkova a present for the end of #Strictly and or Christmas,” he began.

“The answer is ‘yes’ and this was it… a gorgeous commission from the brilliant Sheffield artist @alanpenningtonart.

“He’s managed to capture all the things which made Strictly so special this year and all the things Nadiya loved about Sheffield. Thanks Alan and Merry Christmas partner.”

Nadiya wrote back: “Partner, you are THE BEST. It’s a perfect gift. THANK YOU so much! Merry Christmas partner you to and your beautiful family.”

The pals had wrongly been linked to the infamous Strictly curse during their time on the BBC One show, despite both being in happy relationships.

When the couple were voted out of the series – just ahead of the semi-final – Nadiya sparked concern when she was spotted sobbing in a taxi.

Explaining her tears, Nadiya said: “They were happy tears because I’d had a great year. It’s always emotional because you put in so much of your time and energy but it’s all very positive. I made a great friend. It feels like we’ll stay friends for life.

“Dan is probably one of the kindest people on this planet. He is very caring and always looking after other people. He is selfless and a gentleman.”

Nadiya is engaged to Slovenian footballer Matija Skarabot, with whom she shares a daughter.