Dani Dyer exits Strictly Come Dancing after ankle fracture; Nikita Kuzmin breaks silence

Dani Dyer has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing after fracturing her ankle during a Friday training rehearsal, a development confirmed by BBC on Tuesday. The Daily Mail had first reported the news, noting that Dyer, 29, was one of the show’s favourites before the injury sidelined her ahead of any live performance. In a subsequent statement, Dyer said she had fallen on Friday, initially thinking she had rolled her foot, but an MRI revealed a fracture. Doctors advised that performing the quickstep on a fracture was not advisable, and she confirmed she would not be able to continue on the series. "I am heartbroken is the biggest understatement," she wrote, adding that she would be watching closely and cheering the other couples on from home."

Dyer addressed her exit in a separate post, saying she would take time away from social media to process the news. In a video posted to Instagram, she fought back tears as she explained that she was having the best time but that the injury had derailed her Strictly journey. "I am heartbroken, I have not felt like this in such a long time. It’s just a very devastating, annoying kind of thing that I’m going through right now," she said, before noting she would likely step back from social platforms for a few days to recover. She also thanked fans for their support and said she would eventually return to cheer on the contestants.

Nikita Kuzmin, the professional dancer paired with Dyer, broke his silence the day after the news, posting a tribute to their short time together and calling the departure heartbreakingly sudden. In an Instagram carousel featuring behind-the-scenes snaps from rehearsals, Kuzmin wrote that he was "so so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started" and praised Dyer for her warmth and positivity. He described the laughs and good times they shared and said he hoped they might still get to week one together someday. Kuzmin also acknowledged the heartbreak of the abrupt finish, adding that he wished Dyer all the best and congratulated her on her spirit and character. Fans who follow the show were treated to a window into a partnership that had shown early promise, even as the show prepared to launch its new series.

BBC executives acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Dyer’s withdrawal but stressed that the door would be left open for her return in the future. Sarah James, executive producer for BBC Studios, said in a statement that Dyer had brought "so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly" and that the team was saddened she could no longer compete this year. The statement added that they hoped to welcome her back to the ballroom at a later date as the show moves forward with the remaining lineup. The network emphasized that the decision was driven by medical advice and that health remained the priority for all participants.

Dyer’s exit marks another early setback for this year’s Strictly lineup. Kristian Nairn, known for his turn on Game of Thrones, withdrew from the series for medical reasons before the first live show. The combination of injuries and withdrawals has created additional questions about whether the show will replace the missing contestants. On Wednesday, Tillie Amartey, who appeared on the Strictly Christmas Special last year, denied reports that she was in talks to step in for Dyer. A Daily Mail source said Amartey had not been contacted by producers, leaving the question of a replacement still unresolved.

Industry observers note that replacements, when they occur, have historically depended on timing and the availability of a suitable star who can join the competition mid-season. The 2019 instance of Jamie Laing stepping in after an injury and going on to win with partner Oti Mabuse is often cited as a precedent, though each year’s circumstances differ. For now, BBC officials say they are focused on safeguarding the wellbeing of contestants and continuing the competition with the remaining couples.

Dyer has previously discussed the challenges of reality television, including a prior reality stint that was cut short by injury, but she has expressed no plans beyond supporting Strictly from the audience in the immediate term. The program’s producers and cast have remained tight-lipped about potential replacements, reiterating that health and safety take precedence while allowing room for a future return if possible. As the show advances with the current slate of contenders, producers and fans alike will be watching to see how the absence of a high-profile participant changes the dynamic in the competition and whether a substitute, if one is brought in, will affect the leaders on the scoreboard.

The Strictly Come Dancing season continues with its remaining pairs continuing rehearsal commitments and preparations for the upcoming rounds. While the absence of a finalist favorite may shift perceptions of the competition’s trajectory, the program remains a staple of UK culture and entertainment, drawing broad audiences who tune in for the choreography, drama, and the ever-evolving journey of its celebrity contestants.