Two Strictly Come Dancing stars have been inundated with support after being forced to withdraw from the BBC competition series. After impressing fans during Saturday’s (September 20) launch show, reality star Dani Dyer and her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin will no longer take part in the series after the mother-of-three sustained a gruelling injury. The duo were among the first to be paired, and fans were eager to see Dani showcase her skills after gaining a legion of fans during her 2018 appearance on Love Island.

However, just days before returning to the dancefloor with a show-stopping performance, the 29-year-old revealed she had sustained an ankle injury in a shock statement. Dani penned: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot, but it swelled up badly over the weekend, and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle. “Apparently, doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so I’ve had to pull out of the show.”

Dani continued: “To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”

As the statement landed on social media, a flurry of fans and their Strictly co-stars took to the comments with support for the duo, including head judge Shirley Ballas, who stated: “I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel.”

Strictly professional Luba Mushtuk commented: ” Oh no, I’m so so sorry, please get well soon.”

As the newly announced mother-to-be, Diane Buswell echoed: “I’m so sorry Dani and Nikita, we will miss you so much xx”

“Ohhh nooo!!!! I’m so sorry Dani and Nikiii. Hope you’re getting better soon @danidyerxx sending all my love,” said Nancy Xu

Judge Motsi Mabuse also shared her well-wishes and penned: “Oh so sorry,get well soon. Health first.”

Pro Amy Dowden added: “Sending you so much love and a speedy recovery @danidyerxx absolutely gutted for you and @nikita__kuzmin.”

As fellow contestant Vicky Pattison said: “Absolutely devastated for you Dani. I’m going to miss you so much… Love you loads.”

Speaking on their departure, Sarah James, an Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.

“Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”