Dani Dyer pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing after breaking ankle

Dani Dyer has withdrawn from this year's Strictly Come Dancing after breaking her ankle. The Love Island alum, 29, said she landed funny in training on Friday and an MRI on Monday confirmed a fracture. Doctors advised against dancing on a fractured ankle, forcing her to pull out before the first competitive week of the series, after taking part in the pre-recorded launch show.

Dyer, who first found fame on Love Island, was paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin on the launch show, which was pre-recorded and broadcast on Saturday. She described the fall, saying she thought she had rolled her foot but swelling over the weekend and MRI results confirmed the fracture. She added that she will miss dancing with Nikita but will watch closely and cheer all the couples on.

Meanwhile, the show's executive producer, Sarah James, said the partnership had got off to the most sensational start and that everyone on the show was incredibly sad that she could not compete. The team wished her a swift recovery and said they hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.

Reaction from fellow professionals and judges followed on social media. Judge Shirley Ballas posted that health comes first and wished Dyer well, while dancer Dianne Buswell and Johannes Radebe said they were gutted and wished her well.

Dyer is the second celebrity to withdraw before the contest has even begun, following Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn.