By Danni Scott
Copyright metro
Dani Dyer will no longer compete in Strictly (Picture: PA Wire)
Strictly Come Dancing is off to a rocky start as Dani Dyer has already been forced to withdraw from the competition after an injury.
The TV personality, 29, was paired with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin, 27, for this year’s series but had a bad fall and ended up in the hospital.
Fans had high hopes for the daughter of national treasure Danny Dyer’s chances at the trophy after she was strong in the group dance.
She had been rumoured for the series for months before the official announcement, so anticipation to see her perform had been huge.
In a statement, Dani revealed she had fractured her ankle, so won’t be able to return and must wave goodbye to any Glitterball dreams.
‘I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny,’ Dani said. ‘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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DO88tDpjb-r/
‘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.’
After her announcement, fellow celebrities and dancers rushed to express how ‘gutted’ they are by the news.
Pro dancer Dianne Buswell, who is paired with Stefan Davies, said: ‘😢 I’m so sorry Dani and Nikita ❤️ we will miss you so much xx.’
‘Gutted for you both, take care of yourself. 💞,’ added Johannes Radebe as Amy Dowden wished her a ‘speedy recovery’ and sent ‘so much love’.
Judge and Strictly legend Shirley Ballas said: ‘I’m so so sorry. But health is most important. Get well soon Angel. ❤️’
Fans had high hopes for Dani and Nikita (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Newcomer Julian Caillon, dancing with Balvinder Sopal, added: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this! Make sure you rest up and take care of yourself. Sending you lots of love ❤️.’
Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, shared: ‘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.’
Dani previously said appearing on the iconic BBC show was ‘massive’ for her after finding fame on Love Island seven years ago.
The mother-of-three told Metro she was looking forward to the opportunity to lean into her sexier side on the dancefloor.
‘I can’t wait to feel a bit sexy,’ Dani shared. ‘I’ve been a mum for like, my oldest is four now, I’m like, am I sexy? When I was on Love Island, I never wore the thong bikinis. I’m like, “Why didn’t I do that?”’
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