Dani Dyer withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing after ankle fracture; friends and family rally around her

Dani Dyer has withdrawn from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing after fracturing her ankle in a training rehearsal on Friday, forcing her to bow out before she could perform any routine. An MRI confirmed the fracture, and doctors said she should not dance, leaving the Love Island winner devastated about leaving the competition.

In a social-media post, the 29-year-old explained that she fell during rehearsals, the ankle swelled over the weekend, and the doctors advised against continuing. The Daily Mail reported the news on Tuesday. Dyer’s father, EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, joined a chorus of support in the comments, as did several Strictly colleagues and judges who wished her a speedy recovery.

Vicky Pattison, a fellow contestant and friend, posted a tribute expressing heartbreak that the journey would not continue this year and offering hope that Dani would return next year with her energy and signature dance skills. Other members of the Strictly circle, including pros and judges, echoed the wishes for a swift recovery and a hopeful reunion in the ballroom in the future.

Executive Producer Sarah James of BBC Studios said Dani had brought passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and that her partnership with Nikita Kuzmin was off to a sensational start. The team noted that everyone on the show is saddened by her exit and sent best wishes for her recovery, adding that they hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.

Dani had already been introduced on the launch show as Nikita Kuzmin’s partner, though the broadcast was pre-recorded. The incident occurred before any routine could be performed, and Dani’s absence leaves Nikita to navigate the season with another potential partner if a replacement is needed. Dani is the daughter of EastEnders star Danny Dyer, and she has built a following since her Love Island win in 2018.

The setback comes as Strictly faces a slate of changes this season. Earlier in the year, Kristian Nairn withdrew for medical reasons, illustrating the challenges of maintaining form and health ahead of live performances. Despite the disruption, the show’s lineup remains ambitious, featuring a diverse group of celebrities from sports, acting and reality television. Dani’s exit is a notable development for fans who had anticipated seeing her energy on the dance floor, but producers have stressed that the rest of the contestants will continue their journey, with a path forward that could include a return for Dani in a future edition of the series.