Nikita Kuzmin makes Strictly announcement after CBB stint

Since joining Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer back in 2021, Ukrainian Nikita Kuzmin has become a fan favourite on the BBC show, partnering up with the likes of Tilly Ramsay, Ellie Simmonds and Layton Williams.

After Nikita signed-up for ITV/STV's rebooted series of Celebrity Big Brother earlier this month, where he finished in second place behind David Potts, many were left wondering what that could mean for his Strictly future.

With rumours rife that he'd 'quit' the show, the 26-year-old appeared on Loose Women on Monday 25th March, where he cleared up the claims.

He told the panel: "I love Strictly.

"It's the only reason I'm here and why I was on Celebrity Big Brother in the first place. They are my family and I love every single one of them. I hope to be back every single year up until I can or until they want me."

Nikita was the third celebrity to enter this year's Celebrity Big Brother house during the launch show on Monday 4th March, just moments after 'house intruder' Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh were given their secret mission.

The pro dancer made great friends with the likes of Colson Smith, Bradley Riches and David Potts during his time in the house, and despite a little disagreement with Fern Britton during the final few days, he was only ever put up for eviction when he volunteered during a task.

During the final on Friday 22nd March, Nikita finished the show as runner-up, much to the delight of fans.

Check out the final CBB placing below:

Meanwhile, after being paired with both Tilly Ramsay and Ellie Simmonds during his first years on Strictly Come Dancing, Nikita was part of an all-male duo during the 2023 series, when he was partnered with actor Layton Williams.

Following amazing performances, which resulted in a number of huge scores by the judges, Nikita and Layton made it all the way to the final, only to be beaten by Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach and her partner Vito Coppola.

However, the pair were crowned the winners of the Strictly tour in early 2024.

BBC bosses are yet to confirm any details about the 2024 series of Strictly, but we'd love to see Nikita return!

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