By Catriona Rigney,Liam De Brun

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Dani Dyer fought back tears as she addressed her exit from Strictly Come Dancing in a video to her fans. Dani, 29, made her first appearance on the popular BBC competition during Saturday night’s launch show on 20 September, alongside the other 14 celebrities participating.

During the programme, it was announced that she had been paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin. However, today, just days before the first live show, it was announced that Dani has had to quit after she fractured her ankle in a fall during rehearsals.

Addressing her 3.7 million followers in an emotional video on her Instagram stories, Dani paused momentarily to gather herself as she grew tearful.

She said: “Hi guys, I’m going to do this, and try and do this without crying, but yeah, I’m so heartbroken, like I’ve not felt like this in such a long time.

“I was having the best time ever… It’s just (a) very, very annoying, devastating thing that I’m kind of going through right now, but I’m probably just going to have a few days off my socials just to, you know, process things.

“I just want to thank you all so much for all your love and support. But yeah, I’m gutted, I’m absolutely gutted.”

She continued: “I love everyone, everyone at Strictly is absolutely amazing. All the couples, I’m going to miss them so much. I will eventually come along and cheer them on. I just want to thank you all so much.”

In a statement shared earlier on Tuesday, mum of three Dani 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 I’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.”

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.”