Dani Dyer exits Strictly Come Dancing after ankle fracture; fellow stars rally around
The Love Island winner withdraws before a routine as friends, family and judges send support, while the show continues with a reshaped lineup.
Dani Dyer has been forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing after fracturing her ankle during a Friday training rehearsal, ending her bid on the BBC One ballroom competition before she could perform a single routine. The Daily Mail reported that the 29-year-old Love Island winner, one of the show’s favorites, sustained the injury in rehearsals and later confirmed the setback in a social-media statement.
In a post shared with followers, Dyer 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 I’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.” The announcement also noted that she had been partnered with Nikita Kuzmin for the season, and that the injury prevented any live performances; the show’s pre-recorded launch had already revealed the pairing.
Friends and family quickly offered their support. Dani’s father, Danny Dyer, joined the chorus of well-wishers in the comments, and fellow reality star Vicky Pattison dedicated a tribute post to her, saying she was “absolutely gutted” for her friend and promising a return next year. Among those sending messages were Strictly pros Amy Dowden, Gorka Marquez and Dianne Buswell, as well as judges Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas, who each wished Dani a speedy recovery and a swift return to the dance floor.
Executive Producer Sarah James of BBC Studios also weighed in, noting that Dani had brought “so much passion, joy and enthusiasm” to Strictly and that her partnership with Nikita Kuzmin was “off to the most sensational start.” The staff and crew expressed sadness at her departure and said they hoped to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.
The timing of Dyer’s withdrawal came amid a season already rich with upheaval. Earlier this year, Kristian Nairn quit the series for medical reasons, prompting producers to adjust the lineup. In addition, a separate tabloid-backed narrative around Thomas Skinner’s personal life added another layer of distraction for the program as it prepared to open 2025 with a cast that includes a mix of athletes, actors, reality personalities and performers.
Dyer had previously acknowledged nerves about performing live on Saturday nights, and friends noted she leaned on Vicky Pattison for support in the run-up to the launch. A source told Closer that the two had formed a close bond backstage, sharing a changing room and offering each other encouragement as they navigated the early weeks of filming.
The 2025 Strictly Come Dancing lineup features a wide array of contestants beyond Dyer’s absence, including Vicky Pattison, Karen Carney, Ellie Goldstein, La Voix, Thomas Skinner and others, spanning sports, entertainment and reality TV. Each participant has acknowledged the opportunity with a mix of excitement and nerves, underscoring the show’s ongoing appeal even as it evolves.
Dyer’s exit marks another setback for the season, but the program’s producers and cast colleagues emphasized stability and forward momentum. The show remains committed to delivering high-profile performances while continuing to integrate new faces and managing the inevitable adjustments that come with a live, high-stakes competition. As producers suggested, there remains room for Dani to return in the future, should circumstances allow, keeping the door open for a potential return to the ballroom.