Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin Speaks Out Following Dani Dyer's Unexpected Departure

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Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has broken his silence after his celebrity partner Dani Dyer quit the BBC show.

The Daily Mail broke the news that Dani, 29, one of the show’s favourites, had to bow out on Tuesday, after fracturing her ankle during a training rehearsal on Friday.

Dani later confirmed this in a statement and said: ‘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 l’ve had to pull out of the show.

‘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.’

Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has broken his silence after his celebrity partner Dani Dyer quit the BBC show

The Daily Mail broke the news that Dani, 29, one of the show’s favourites, had to bow out on Tuesday, after fracturing her ankle during a training rehearsal on Friday

Now, taking to Instagram the following day, Nikita shared his heartbreak in a touching tribute post.

The professional dancer revealed that Dani’s early departure had ‘broken his heart,’ as he posted a series of behind-the-scenes snaps from their time in rehearsals.

Alongside the post, he wrote: ‘So so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started.

‘The amount of laughs and fun we had in this short time was unbelievable.

‘Really loved our partnership and hope that one day we can actually get to week 1 lol but, heath is the most important thing.

‘I’m wishing you the absolute best Dani, you’re so lovely, positive and a wonderful human being. And it breaks my heart knowing how excited you were to do your absolute best on the show!’

He continued: ‘Hopefully we can pick up next year.

‘Love from #danita or #dakita or #Nani (WE ACTUALLY HAVENT DECIDED ON THE TEAM NAME IN TIME).’

Now, taking to Instagram the following day, Nikita shared his heartbreak in a touching tribute post

The professional dancer revealed that Dani’s early departure had ‘broken his heart,’ as he posted a series of behind-the-scenes snaps from their time in rehearsals

It comes hours after Dani addressed her exit and also revealed she is planning to take time away from social media to process the news.

In an Instagram video, she said: ‘Hi guys, I’m going to try and do this without crying.

‘I am so heartbroken, I have not felt like this in…’

Dani then stopped to compose herself, holding her hand to her mouth as she fought back tears.

She continued: ‘… in such a long time. I was having the best time ever.

‘It’s just a very devastating, annoying kind of thing that I’m going through right now.’

Dani continued: ‘I am probably just going to have a few days off my socials just to process things.

‘But I just wanna thank you all for all of your love and support. But yeah, I am gutted, I am absolutely gutted.

‘I love everyone at Strictly, I am going to miss them so much but yeah I obviously will eventually come along and cheer them all on. But I just want to thank you for all of the love.’

The accident occurred before Dani even got to perform one routine.

It comes hours after Dani addressed her exit and also revealed she is planning to take time away from social media to process the news

Bosses had hoped that Dani would go far in the competition, but it was announced on Tuesday that she could not continue in the competition.

In a statement, BBC bosses confirmed that the door would be left open for ‘heartbroken’ Dani to return next year, saying they ‘hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.’

This injury will no doubt bring back memories for Dani of her first reality TV stint on ITV2 series Survival Of The Fittest, which was also cut short after she was forced to pull out on the first day following a shoulder injury.

Dani is also the second star to pull out of this year’s series before the first live show has even aired, as Game Of Thrones star Kristian Nairn withdrew from the lineup due to ‘unexpected medical reasons.’

Sarah James, Executive Producer for 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.’

It’s not been confirmed whether Dani will be replaced by another star in the Strictly lineup, though she is far from the first star who has been forced to pull out of the show due to an injury.

On Wednesday, Waterloo Road star Tillie Amartey denied claims that she was in early talks with bosses to replace Dani, after competing on the Strictly Christmas Special in 2023.

Dani, who was tipped as one of the favourites to win Strictly, admitted she was ‘devastated and annoyed’ at her early departure. It’s not been confirmed whether she will be replaced

A source told Daily Mail: ‘Tillie hasn’t had any contact with Strictly Come Dancing.

‘Bosses still don’t know if they are replacing Dani yet.’

Only once have bosses opted to replace a star that’s pulled out at this stage of the series, with Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing forced to withdraw after injuring himself in a group dance during Strictly’s launch show in 2019.

That year, he was replaced by Emmerdale favourite Kelvin Fletcher, who with his professional partner Oti Mabuse went on to win the series.

Her withdrawal is yet another blow for Strictly bosses after Kristian’s early exit from the show last month.

The Game Of Thrones star, 49, said: ‘With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor.

‘Thank you all for your support and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense.’

Meanwhile, The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner – who is paired with Strictly pro Amy Dowden – has also been hit by scandal after he last week admitted cheating on his wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding in 2022.

He claimed the affair was a ‘moment of madness’ that saw him almost ‘ruin his life’.

STRICTLY LINEUP 2025

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

Age: 36

Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator

Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’

Alex Kingston

Age: 62

Profession: Doctor Who actress

The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’

Balvinder Sopal

Age: 46

Profession: EastEnders actress

Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’

La Voix

Age: 45

Profession: Drag performer

She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’

Thomas Skinner

Age: 34

Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur

He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’

Vicky Pattison

Age: 37

Profession: Reality TV star

She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’

Karen Carney

Age: 38

Profession: Football pundit

She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’

George Clark

Age: 25

Profession: YouTuber

He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Age: 53

Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.

He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’

Ellie Goldstein

Age: 23

Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador

She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.

Chris Robshaw

Age: 39

Profession: Rugby player

He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.