Dani Dyer forced to QUIT Strictly Come Dancing
She's released a statement
Last updated 26th Sep 2025
Ahead of the first live show on Saturday 27th September, reality star Dani Dyer has been forced to pull out of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
Why has Dani Dyer pulled out of Strictly?
Dani, who was paired with Nikita Kuzmin, shared the shock news in a statement on social media, revealing she suffered a fall in training this week, which resulted in her fracturing her ankle.
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."
Upon hearing the sad news, many of Dani's Strictly co-stars were quick to comment.
Dianne Buswell wrote: '😢 I’m so sorry dani and Nikita ❤️ we will miss you so much xx', with Amy Dowden adding: 'Sending you so much love and a speedy recovery @danidyerxx absolutely gutted for you and @nikita__kuzmin 😢💖🎀🙏'. (sic)
Luba Mushtuk added: 'Oh no, I’m so so sorry 😔 please get well soon ❤️❤️❤️', with 2024 contestant Tasha Ghouri adding: 'Sending love to you @danidyerxx !! I hope you have a speedy recovery 💕🩷💓'. (sic
What has Nikita said?
Sharing a number of photos alongside Dani in the training room, Nikita wrote: 'So so gutted to have finished our journey before it even properly started 💔💔 the amount of laughs and fun we had in this short time was unbelievable! Really loved our partnership and hope that one day we can actually get to week 1 lol but, heath is the most important thing❤️
'I’m wishing you the absolute best @danidyerxx ❤️ you’re so lovely, positive and a wonderful human being!! And it breaks my heart knowing how excited you were to do your absolute best on the show! Hopefully we can pick up next year :)
'Love from #danita or #dakita or #Nani (WE ACTUALLY HAVENT DECIDED ON THE TEAM NAME IN TIME)'
Will Dani be replaced?
Yes, Dani has been replaced by Amber Davies, who will now be paired with Nikita.
Amber won Love Island back in 2017 and she's since gone on to become a huge West End star, appearing in shows like Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby.
Will she be back next year?
Nothing has been confirmed if Dani will return to the show for the 2026 series.
Who was she paired with?
Dani discovered she'd been paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin during the pre-recorded launch show which aired last Saturday.
Following the show, she wrote on Instagram: 'So happy to finally say… my partner is Nikita! 💃Honestly couldn’t be happier, he’s already been so patient with me (thank god 😂).
'Can’t believe the first live show is next week! Wish me luck 🥹🪩'. (sic)
Dani is the second celeb to pull out of this year's show, after Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn was forced to quit due to a medical condition. Kristian was replaced by Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope.
Check out this year's Strictly pairings 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 Saturday 27th September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.