Shirley Ballas reveals Dani Dyer’s phone call and says Strictly bosses are scrambling to replace her

Dani Dyer’s sudden exit from Strictly Come Dancing after a training injury dominated headlines this week, with Shirley Ballas detailing the phone call she had with the show’s contestant and outlining the scramble behind the scenes to fill the vacancy. Ballas, the head judge, appeared on This Morning on Wednesday to discuss the dramatic development and to praise Dyer’s work ethic as she recovers from a hairline ankle fracture.

According to Ballas, Dyer’s injury occurred during a training session last Friday, and the diagnosis after an MRI confirmed the fracture. “This young lady is all sparkle, and of course, yesterday, she fell on her ankle, or twisted it, she has a hairline fracture, so she's out,” Ballas said. She added that Dyer had been mortified and heartbroken, but noted that she could potentially return to the ballroom next year, much like Jamie Laing did after his own setback. Ballas described the phone conversation she had with Dyer, emphasizing the reality of the situation and the support she offered during the difficult moment.

I know her work ethic and when she got onto Strictly I thought, 'They don't know what's hit them!' She told me she’s mortified but optimistic about the possibility of a comeback next season. The accident occurred before Dyer had danced a single routine, underscoring how quickly the competition’s dynamic can shift. The report of Dyer’s departure was first published by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, and Dyer herself confirmed the news in a social-media statement later that day.

In addressing how the production team plans to move forward, Ballas said show bosses were already in motion behind the scenes to identify a replacement. “I did speak to the executive producer [about a replacement] to try to get an answer for you and they're hustling and bustling to see what they can do,” she explained. “We're a dancer down. So, either, someone won't go home the first week or something like that. But let's hope that someone else will get the opportunity.” The remark underscored the delicate balance the show must maintain between keeping its format intact and ensuring a fair competition for the remaining contestants.

Dyer’s own statement, released after the news broke, shared a candid account of what happened and the impact of the diagnosis. She said she had fallen during Friday rehearsals and landed awkwardly, initially thinking she had rolled her foot. Over the weekend the swelling worsened, and an MRI confirmed a fractured ankle. She noted that dancing with a fracture was not advisable and that doctors advised against continuing in the competition. “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,” Dyer wrote.

The network and production company quickly conveyed their concern and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, issued a statement acknowledging Dyer’s contribution and expressing sadness at her withdrawal. James said Dani had brought “so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start.” The team extended their wishes for a swift recovery and noted the hope of welcoming Dyer back to the ballroom in the future.

The news drew tributes from much of the Strictly community. Ballas herself joined colleagues and fans in offering support, posting on social media with a note of sympathy. “I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel,” she wrote, reinforcing the show’s emphasis on athlete-turned-performer Dani Dyer’s well-being over competition.

The absence of a major personality from the lineup inevitably shifts the early weeks of the season. The confidential discussions around a replacement highlight the show’s challenge in maintaining its star-studded cast while honoring the integrity of the competition. The ongoing process reflects a broader reality in reality-competition television: when a contestant exits mid-season, producers must weigh options that balance fairness, audience engagement, and logistical practicality.

Dyer’s exit also reverberates through the broader Strictly Come Dancing ecosystem as fans and pundits recalibrate expectations. With Dani’s departure before a first elimination, producers are weighing whether to proceed with a no-elimination first week or to restructure the opening rounds to maintain the expected number of couples. The decision will likely hinge on how quickly a suitable replacement can be secured and how such a change would affect the show’s narrative arc for the season.

Beyond the immediate impact, the 2025 Strictly slate remains a focal point for viewers. The lineup, which includes a mix of Olympic athletes, actors and media personalities, continues to unfold as producers navigate the loss of a favorite and the addition of a new partner for the remaining contestants. The shift underscores the show’s enduring appeal and its capacity to adapt in real time while preserving the core spectacle that keeps audiences returning each week.

As Dani Dyer focuses on recovery, Nikita Kuzmin — her scheduled partner for the season — and the rest of the cast face an altered landscape. How quickly a replacement is named, and how the first weeks of competition unfold, will shape the public’s perception of the season’s competitive balance and the resilience of the Strictly format in the face of unexpected turnarounds.

Culture & Entertainment coverage will continue to monitor updates from the production team, official statements, and social responses as the story develops and the show moves toward its next phase.