Former Love Island winner Amber Davies will join Strictly Come Dancing after Dani Dyer-Bowen had to pull out of the BBC dancing show this week after fracturing her ankle in a fall during rehearsals. The West End performer, who will be partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, said: “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.” While the show is just over 24 hours away, there has been some major changes to the contestants as Dani Dyer had to pull out this week.
Dani confirmed she can no longer remain in the contest. 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.”
She added: “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.”
Dani had been partnered with Nikita Kuzmin. Dani’s Strictly partner Nikita has spoken about feeling “gutted” after Dani was forced to pull out of the BBC dance show. He shared photos and videos of the two and the short time they have shared together on their Strictly journey.
He said: “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, health is the most important thing.”
“I’m wishing you the absolute best, 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.”
After the Love Island star’s departure from the show, 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.”
The first live show of Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Saturday evening.