Tillie Amartey parties at SHEIN event amid Strictly replacement rumors
Waterloo Road star's appearance at a London pop-up fuels talk she could be Dani Dyer's late addition to Strictly Come Dancing, though no decision has been confirmed.
Tillie Amartey attended a SHEIN VIP launch party for their AW London pop-up on Thursday, with the Waterloo Road actress and presenter amid ongoing speculation that she could replace Dani Dyer on Strictly Come Dancing. Amartey, 22, recently exited her role on the BBC school drama and has been the subject of chatter that she could be a late addition to the Strictly lineup after Love Island star Dyer fractured her ankle in training.
The actress arrived in a leggy, fashion-forward look, pairing black leather hot pants with a matching Missguided Playboy jacket and strappy heels. She was photographed arriving at the party alongside a host of fellow reality and TV personalities. The event took place at the SHEIN AW London pop-up, staged at the Future Stores space on Oxford Street, a tech-driven venue that fuses media and retail with high-definition screens and interactive experiences. The pop-up is open to the public from September 26–28, letting guests shop new-season collections in women’s fashion.
Speculation has swirled around whether Amartey could fill the shoes left by Dyer, who was reported to be negotiating a late arrival after fracturing her ankle in training. A Daily Mail insider suggested there had been conversations about Amartey stepping in, noting that she had been making trips from her Leeds home to London for discussions with TV executives in recent weeks. However, the outlet also reported that no final decision had been made and that “Bosses still don't know if they are replacing Dani yet.”
Amartey herself addressed the chatter when speaking to Daily Mail, emphasizing the season’s glitz and sparkle while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding Strictly. “It’s all sequins, sparkles and speculation at the moment but the Christmas special was very special for me. I had the best time.” She added that she would “never say no to Strictly” and that she would clear her diary if needed, but stressed that the priority at the moment is Dani’s recovery. The actor, who played Stacey Neville on Waterloo Road since 2024, also noted that any decision would have to consider Dani’s health and future availability.
The Strictly Come Dancing landscape this year has already seen upheaval. Dani Dyer confirmed she would be stepping back from the competition after suffering a fractured ankle in rehearsals, an injury disclosed after an MRI confirmed the break. BBC Studios’ Sarah James, the Executive Producer, issued a statement expressing sadness over Dyer’s withdrawal while keeping the door open for a potential return in the future. The departure followed another early-season change when Game Of Thrones alum Kristian Nairn withdrew for “unexpected medical reasons.”
Dyer’s exit marks the second time in recent Strictly history that a major lineup shift occurred before the show’s first live broadcast, underscoring how quickly plans can change behind the scenes. The BBC has refrained from confirming any replacement, instead noting that the series would continue with the remaining celebrity lineup and that a future return for Dyer would be welcomed if circumstances allow.
Amartey’s public appearances while facing these rumors reflect her rising profile beyond Waterloo Road. The 22-year-old actor has also participated in Strictly’s Christmas Special in 2023, where she spoke about the challenge and thrill of dancing on the renowned stage. Her comments about never saying never to Strictly align with a broader pattern among performers who keep doors open for high-profile opportunities while managing current commitments.
The SHEIN pop-up event drew a cross-section of television personalities and influencers, including Shaughna Phillips, who is pregnant, as well as Phoebe Tomlinson and Meryl Williams. Olivia Hawkins from Celebs Go Dating showcased her own sporty style, while other guests from Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex arrived in bold outfits, underscoring the fashion-forward tone of the evening. As the industry watches whether Amartey will transition from acting to a new rotation on Strictly, the decision remains up in the air, contingent on Dani Dyer’s recovery and the show’s ongoing casting strategy.
For now, fans and observers will have to wait for any official confirmation from Strictly Come Dancing or the BBC about whether Amartey or another celebrity will join the competition roster this season. The absence of a formal replacement announcement means the door remains ajar, with producers weighing balance in gender, age, and star profiles as they chart the show’s next phase.