Nikita Kuzmin breaks silence after Dani Dyer's exit from Strictly Come Dancing

Nikita Kuzmin has broken his silence after Dani Dyer's shock exit from Strictly Come Dancing. The 29-year-old reality star fractured her ankle during a Friday training session, forcing her to withdraw before performing a single routine. BBC bosses confirmed the decision and said the door would be left open for a potential return next year.

Dani announced on social media that the injury occurred during training and that she would take a short break from posts to process the news. She thanked fans for their support and said she would be watching and cheering the other couples from home. Kuzmin responded to the development on Instagram with a tribute post that included behind‑the‑scenes rehearsal snaps, saying the partnership was cut short and that he was heartbroken at having the journey end so early. He added that he hoped to team up again in the future.

Tuesday's announcement marked the second time this year that a contestant withdrew before the first live show. Earlier, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn left the lineup for medical reasons. BBC executives said the show might still replace the star, but as of midweek no replacement had been confirmed. A Daily Mail report noted that Tillie Amartey denied having been in early talks to replace Dani. Historically, replacements have occurred in past seasons, such as 2019 when Jamie Laing withdrew and Kelvin Fletcher stepped in. The producers emphasized that Dani’s departure is a setback but that her health comes first.

Dani had been among the favourites to win the series, and her early exit removes a strong contender from the competition. The network said the door remains open for her return, should health allow, and that plans would be adjusted accordingly as Strictly moves toward its live rounds. As the show proceeds, producers and cast members will navigate the vacancy while continuing to deliver the famed ballroom competition. Dani’s team asked fans to respect her privacy while she recovers, and Kuzmin’s public messages signal his continued support for her, whatever the future holds for their partnership in Strictly.

Dani’s injury highlights the physical demands of Strictly Come Dancing, where injuries and medical issues can derail a season before its live premiere. The show, which features a diverse lineup of celebrities and professional dancers, now faces the challenge of reshaping the path forward while balancing safety, production timelines, and audience expectations. Fans will be watching closely to see whether a replacement is brought in or if the remaining pairs carry on as the competition unfolds.