Dani Dyer's Strictly replacement has been announced
She's very excited to get going!
Last updated 26th Sep 2025
Following the shock news that Dani Dyer has been forced to withdraw from this year's Strictly Come Dancing due to injury, BBC bosses have now announced which famous face will be replacing her on the line-up.
Who is replacing Dani Dyer?
West End star Amber Davies, who will play the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical next year, has been announced to replace Dani.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Amber Davies says: “This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I’ve watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true. I’m going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud.”
Amber first shot to fame when she appeared on the 2017 series of Love Island, going on to win the show alongside Kem Cetinay.
Since then, Amber has pursued a professional acting career, with lead roles in theatre productions including Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby.
She's also appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2024.
Who will she be paired with?
She will be paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
Why did Dani quit?
Dani released a statement on Tuesday 23rd September to announce she'd fractured her ankle during a fall in training, meaning she could no longer take part in the competition.
In a statement, she said: 'I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny.
'I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.
'Apparently doing the Quickstep on a fracture is not advisable and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance, so l've had to pull out of the show.
'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'. (sic)
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start. Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she's no longer able to compete in this year's series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future."
When does Strictly start?
Following last Saturday's pre-recorded launch show, the first live show of the series will take place this weekend, as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcome this year's couples onto the dancefloor.
As usual, they wll be hoping to impress judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood.
No celeb will be voted off in the first week, with the first elimination set to take place on Sunday 5th October.
Check out all of this year's Strictly Come Dancing couples below:
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon
Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
George Clarke and Alexis Warr
Lewis Cope and Katya Jones
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe: ELIMINATED
La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec: FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Drag Queen La Voix was forced to pull out of the competition ahead of Blackpool week. Hosts Tess and Claudia said: "As you may have heard La Voix sustained an injury meaning she can't dance in Blackpool tonight. Following further advice from our medical team, we can now confirm very sadly that she has had to withdraw from the competition."
Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington: ELIMINATED
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer: ELIMINATED
Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola: ELIMINATED
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley: ELIMINATED
Stefan Dennis and Dianne Buswell: FORCED TO WITHDRAW
After four weeks in the competition, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis announced he'd been forced to quit the competition, revealing he'd torn his calf muscle.
Chris Robshaw and Nadiya Bychkova: ELIMINATED
Ross King and Jowita Przystal: ELIMINATED
Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden: ELIMINATED
Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin: FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Just days ahead of her first live performance, Dani released a statement to announce she'd had to pull out of the series after suffering a fractured ankle in training. It has now been confirmed that Amber Davies will replace her and pair with Nikita.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
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