Strictly Come Dancing’s Dani Dyer has opened up on her exit from the show. The 29-year-old reality TV star was all set to take part in this year’s series of the hit BBC dancing programme but was forced to pull out before week one due to an injury. Dani was partnered with professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin before her sudden exit.
In a statement shared last Tuesday, 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.”
Dani shared she was “heartbroken” by the news and decided to take a few days away from social media to process what happened. She recently opened up on her emotions in the days after her announcement.
She co-hosts the “Live and Let Dyers” podcast with her actor dad Danny Dyer, where she spoke about how she was so “devastated” she found it difficult to leave the house.
Speaking on the podcast, Dani shared: “I was so devastated it made it really hard for me, because everyone around me was like pure devastation and that’s why I couldn’t leave the house because I knew if someone said to me ‘Are you okay Dani?’ I would just cry.”
She added: “Honestly dad, it’s been so heartbreaking and I needed to grieve it.” Her dad Danny Dyer joked: “There was talk, only between me and you, of maybe me coming in as your substitute.”
Dani added: “That would’ve been brilliant, I would’ve loved it. You would’ve won it.” However, Dani did tease she would like to return to the ballroom sometime in the future, following in the footsteps of Jamie Laing.
Laing had to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 due to a foot injury he suffered during the launch show. However, producers allowed the Made in Chelsea star to return to the show a year later, when he made it all the way to the final.
Dani’s followers rushed to support her as she opened up on her heartbreaking news. EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, who is taking part in Strictly with her partner Julian Caillon, wrote: “Oh love! YES – you come back next year!!!!” with a red love heart emoji.
Former Love Island star Georgia Louise Harrison also sent her love. She said: “Awww we love you Dani you’ll be back xxxx.” One follower called Michelle said: “Just take care, Dani. You’ll be back 2026 or 27 and smash it!….please don’t let your Dad do it [laughing face emoji].”
A fan called Denise wrote: “So disappointing for you. Speedy recovery.” Another named Suzanne added: “I’m gutted for Dani such a lovely young lady go back next year.”
Just days after Dani’s devastating announcement, former Love Island winner Amber Davies stepped in to take her place on the show. The West End performer, who is partnered with Nikita 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.”