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Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by its first major exit of the series after Dani Dyer was forced to quit just three days after the glittering launch show.
The 28-year-old former Love Island winner had been unveiled to huge applause during the series premiere, where it was revealed she would be dancing alongside professional partner Nikita Kuzmin. Fans were eager to see how she would fare on the dancefloor, but those hopes were dashed almost immediately.
According to production insiders, Dani suffered a serious ankle fracture during a training rehearsal on Monday, leaving her unable to continue in the competition. The accident is said to have happened while she was attempting to master an early routine in preparation for the live shows.
Strictly Come Dancing was plunged into turmoil as one of its biggest stars was forced to quit after sustaining a serious injury while training – Credit BBC/Ray Burmiston
Devastated to Quit
A BBC spokesperson confirmed the news, saying:
“We are deeply saddened that Dani has had to withdraw from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. She had been training incredibly hard and was looking forward to performing her very first routine. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.”
Dani herself took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking update with fans:
“I can’t believe I’m writing this, but unfortunately, I’ve had to pull out of Strictly after fracturing my ankle. I am absolutely gutted, I was so excited to be part of this year’s show. Nikita has been the most amazing partner and I’m so sorry to let him down. I’ll be cheering everyone on from the sofa!”
Dani has shared a statement on social media confirming the news - Credit: instagram.com/bbcstrictly
Nikita Kuzmin Left Without a Partner
Nikita Kuzmin, who has previously partnered celebrities including Ellie Simmonds and Tilly Ramsay, was said to be equally devastated by the sudden news. A show source revealed that producers are currently deciding whether to draft in a replacement celebrity to partner with him, or to leave him without a contestant for the remainder of the series.
Strictly’s History of Injuries
Injuries are not uncommon on Strictly Come Dancing, where celebrities push their bodies to the limit in demanding rehearsals. Stars including Will Bayley, Nicola Adams, and Jimmy Tarbuck have all had to bow out of the show prematurely in previous years due to health concerns or injuries.
However, Dani’s early exit is particularly shocking as she hadn’t even had the chance to perform a single live dance for the judges. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, with many expressing disappointment at missing out on what could have been one of the series’ most popular contestants.
What’s Next for Dani?
Despite her disappointment, Dani has promised to return to Strictly in some capacity later in the season, hinting that she may make an appearance in the audience once her injury heals. Insiders also suggest that producers are already considering inviting her back for a future series.
For now, Dani faces a recovery period away from the dancefloor, but she remains one of the most talked-about celebrities of the season, even without performing a single cha-cha-cha.
